Tusker chairman explains why clubs rarely share tournament prize money directly with players
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 23.06.26. | 18:09
In recent years, several clubs have found themselves at loggerheads with players over demands for a share of prize money and competition earnings
Tusker FC chairman Charles Gacheru has offered fresh insight into how football clubs utilise prize money earned from competitions and explained why such funds are rarely shared equally among players and members of the technical bench.
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Speaking to Mozzart Sport after Tusker ended their 10-year wait for a major knockout trophy by winning the 2026 Mozzart Bet Cup, the experienced administrator challenged the growing perception among some supporters that prize money should automatically be distributed directly to players.
In recent years, several clubs have found themselves at loggerheads with players over demands for a share of prize money and competition earnings, particularly after successful campaigns on the domestic and continental stage.
Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia have encountered similar situations on a number of occasions following their participation in CAF competitions, while newly-promoted Nairobi United reportedly faced pressure after amassing more than Ksh51 million during their CAF Confederation Cup campaign last season.
The debate is not new in Kenyan football. One of the most famous examples dates back to former Harambee Stars coach Jacob "Ghost" Mulee, who reportedly chose to hand over prize money to players, earned from Kenya's triumph at the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in Tanzania, before stepping down from his role.
The decision sparked controversy at the time, although many later praised the tactician for what they viewed as a bold and selfless move.
However, Gacheru believes the realities of modern football management make it difficult for clubs to simply divide competition earnings among players.
According to the Brewers chairman, prize money often helps clubs meet critical operational expenses that ensure teams remain competitive throughout the season.
"Sometimes when you get money, it goes towards the team, salaries, transport, physio, medical expenses, and other operational costs. So it is not always that when you get money, you divide it among the players," Gacheru told Mozzart Sport.
The administrator explained that although players ultimately benefit from such funds through improved welfare and timely salary payments, clubs must first address their financial obligations before considering any additional rewards.
He noted that while some clubs occasionally agree to share part of the earnings with players, such arrangements are not common and are usually replaced by performance bonuses agreed upon before major matches or competitions.
Gacheru further argued that prize money is designed to strengthen clubs and help them compete effectively, especially when representing the country on bigger stages such as CAF tournaments.
"You know, if you go to Africa and win four million dollars, you cannot say you will divide it among players. The club has needs," he said.
His comments come shortly after Tusker pocketed Ksh3 million for winning the 2026 Mozzart Bet Cup, a victory that also secured the Brewers a place in next season's CAF Confederation Cup.