FIFA bans three African clubs. Image credit: SABC Sport
(The Post News)– International Football and federation Association (FIFA) bans Lamontville Golden Arrows, African Stars FC, and Al Anwar SC. Barring all three clubs from registering new players. As they failed to honour outstanding financial obligations owed to former players and staff. The sanctions remain in effect until each club settles its respective debts in full.
Arrows received the harshest penalty a three-window transfer ban after. The club failed to pay compensation owed to former striker and all-time top scorer Knox Mutizwa. The Zimbabwean forward departed for Richards Bay FC earlier this year following a contractual fall-out. Prompting him to escalate his payment dispute to FIFA.
Despite repeated warnings, Arrows did not meet the mandated compensation deadlines. FIFA moved to enforce an automatic registration ban. Restricting the club from signing or registering any new players locally or internationally.
The sanction places significant pressure on Arrows. Who have already been grappling with squad stability and depth issues in recent seasons. Without immediate settlement of the debt, the Durban-based side risks falling further behind their PSL rivals.
African Stars FC and Al Anwar SC have likewise been barred from making new player registrations. This follows after failing to pay outstanding wages and contractual dues owed to former employees.
Both clubs must settle their arrears before their transfer rights are restored. FIFA has also cautioned that prolonged non-compliance could trigger additional sanctions. Which may include extended bans or points deductions under domestic association rules.
These bans stem from FIFA’s intensified 2024 crackdown on clubs failing to comply with financial and labour regulations. According to disciplinary data released this year, 76 African clubs have faced sanctions ranging from transfer bans to formal reprimands. Marking one of the stiffest enforcement periods in recent memory.
The governing body’s approach aims to uphold contractual fairness. It protect players from unpaid wages, and professionalise club administration across the continent. FIFA tighten global compliance, African clubs have become central to recurring breaches linked to delayed payments and poor governance.
The latest rulings send a sharp message to clubs across Africa: financial misconduct now comes with immediate competitive consequences. Arrows, African Stars and Al Anwar recovery is to pay what is owed or remain banned.
With the 2025/26 season transfer window set to open soon. All three clubs face urgent pressure to clear their books or risk entering new campaigns severely weakened. The bans, underline FIFA’s growing insistence that football institutions honour their commitments both on and off the pitch.
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