Kenyan footballer Marjolen Nekesa has bravely come forward to share her troubling experience with her former agent, shedding light on the challenges faced by athletes in the realm of professional sports. In an exclusive interview with FIFPRO, Nekesa revealed that she is owed a substantial sum of USD 4,200 in unpaid wages, stemming from her tenure with FC Minsk in Belarus.
Nekesa’s journey into the world of football took an unexpected turn when she placed her trust in her agent, believing him to be a reputable figure within the industry. However, her optimism was swiftly overshadowed by the harsh realities of her situation upon her arrival in Belarus. “The agent sounded honest and when I checked his Instagram, I saw he had a lot of posts with players,” Nekesa recalled, reflecting on her initial impressions of her agent.
Her hopes for a promising start with FC Minsk were dashed when the club failed to fulfill its promises, leaving Nekesa stranded without the accommodation and support she had been assured of. “When the end of the month came, I only received a small part of my salary. They continued paying too little,” she recounted, highlighting the injustices she faced during her time with the club.
Undeterred by the obstacles she encountered, Nekesa took decisive action by lodging a complaint with the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber, determined to seek justice for the grievances she had endured. Despite her efforts, the road to resolution proved to be fraught with challenges, prompting Nekesa to ultimately seek refuge with Slavia Prague in Czechia.
However, her troubles persisted even after leaving Belarus, as she entrusted her agent with her financial affairs in the hopes of receiving her unpaid wages. “Once he sent me 1,000 USD. He told me that he would send more, but he never did. He just kept giving excuses,” Nekesa revealed, expressing her frustration at her agent’s failure to uphold his promises.
In the face of adversity, Nekesa remains steadfast in her resolve to seek justice and raise awareness about the challenges faced by athletes. “My advice to other players is to be cautious, and to not blindly trust other people,” she cautioned, underscoring the importance of vigilance in safeguarding one’s rights and interests within the football industry.
