Gor Mahia slapped with FIFA transfer ban

Football Kenya Premier League (FKFPL) giants Gor Mahia has been dealt a massive blow by FIFA, which has barred the club from signing new players.

This punitive action follows the club's failure to resolve a payment dispute with former player Adama Keita, a Malian goalkeeper, as mandated by FIFA's Dispute Resolution Chamber.

The genesis of the conflict dates back to 2021 when Keita, then with Gor Mahia, endured months of unpaid wages before his eventual release. In response, FIFA's Dispute Resolution Chamber awarded Keita a compensation of KES 4.4 million for the breach of contract by the club.

❌ Gor Mahia🇰🇪 received a transfer ban from FIFA due to delayed payments to former goalkeeper Adama Keita.🇲🇱

Despite reaching a payment plan in March 2023, the club failed to meet a deadline, resulting in additional penalties and a renewed transfer ban. pic.twitter.com/PvFeA97b0p

— Eric NDAGIJIMANA®️ (@EricNdagije250) February 28, 2024

Despite subsequent payment plans and negotiations, Gor Mahia consistently fell short of meeting deadlines, resulting in accrued penalties. This failure to adhere to financial obligations led to FIFA imposing a transfer ban on both international and local signings until the outstanding payments are settled.

In a letter addressed to both Gor Mahia and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), FIFA communicated the enforcement of the transfer ban, urging compliance with its directives.

Full Letter from FIFA's Dispute Resolution Chamber

We refer to the abovementioned matter as well as to the Decision passed by FIFA (the Decision).

In this context, it appears that, despite the Decision, the respondent, GOR MAHIA FC (the Respondent) has still not complied with its financial obligations towards MR ADAMA KEITA (the Claimant).

In this regard, we wish to inform the parties that a ban from registering new players internationally has been implemented by FIFA.

Moreover, and in accordance with the aforementioned decision, the Football Kenya Federation(in copy) is requested to immediately implement on the respondent the Club GOR MAHIA FC, if not done yet, a ban from registering new players at national level.

We thank you for taking note of the above and for your valuable cooperation in this matter.