FIFA bans Katsina United from registering players

By Asuquo

Posted on July 9, 2024

World football governing body, FIFA, has placed a ban on Nigeria Premier Football League side, Katsina United, along with twenty-two other African clubs, preventing them from registering new players.

According to FIFA’s website, Katsina United’s ban began on June 12, 2024, and will last for three registration periods. The sanction results from recent contractual violations involving the club and several players.

The other banned clubs include DC Motema Pembe, TP Mazembe, Future FC, Al Masry, Zamalek SC, Horoya AC, Raja Club Athletic, Wydad Athletic Club, African Stars FC, Kiyovu Sports Association, Royal AM, TS Galaxy FC, Singida Big Stars FC, Tabora United, Club Africain, CS Sfaxien, Etoile du Sahel, US Monastir, Mbarara City FC, Buildcon FC, Indeni FC, and Lusaka Dynamos FC.

The ban has caused significant turmoil within Katsina United, leading to an exodus of key players seeking opportunities with other clubs. Some players, whose contracts were terminated verbally, are now unwilling to return.

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One affected player spoke to a Daily Trust reporter under the condition of anonymity, describing his bewilderment over the situation.

“The team manager called to inform me that my services were no longer needed, so I shouldn’t return to the club,” he said. “I still have one year of my contract left, so I was confused. But he said they will pay me three months for me to go and find another club.”

He continued, “He also said if that is not acceptable to me, I should resume, but I won’t be part of the team, although they will pay my monthly salary. That got me even more confused.”

The player was later informed by his lawyer that the club had reversed its decision and requested his return. “Well, my position is that my contract is already terminated by Katsina United, so they will pay me off so that I can go elsewhere to continue with my career,” he concluded.