The Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA), the Union mandated to protect and advocate for the rights and welfare of players, has struck a deal with the International Federation of Professional Football Players, generally referred to as FIFPRO.
The deal is aimed at protecting Kenyan football from the match-fixing menace reported involving players, referees, and even team officials.
Players can now report illegal approaches anonymously without compromising their security through the Red Button card and mobile application developed by the Finnish player union and owned by FIFPRO.
In conjunction with FIFA, FIFPRO has successfully rolled out the app in Kenya, and globally, working cohesively with the support of partners including governments and police.
“Match-fixing is among the major topics we train regularly during visits to our members both at individual and club levels. We give each player the Red Button card with a code and train them on how to report manipulated matches,” noted KEFWA Legal and Admin Officer, Victor Ashinga
Match-fixing investigations are done in a top professional manner, and it is important for a player in an individual capacity to ensure they are responsible to report cases in their team.
“It is not worth it to risk your life, career, and even your family to indulge in match-fixing. That’s why we urge our players to always raise alarm because when the investigators come for suspects, a player will be safe if they reported even if the team is found guilty after 10 years,” Ashinga added while speaking to KEFWA Media.
HOW DO YOU USE THE RED BUTTON APP?
FIFPRO, FIFA and KEFWA have ensured that to protect the integrity of the Red Button app and the quality of the information, only professional footballers are allowed to download the app, as the quality of information is highest when it comes directly from the person approached.
Ashinga further reveals that players should not hesitate to reach out in any case, as the union is well mandated to protect their rights and welfare.
“Professional football players in Kenya should get the cards from KEFWA, enabling them to download the Red Button app, using some safety measures. Once installed, they can use the app as many times as they want.”
