The world football governing body, FIFA, has imposed a strict international transfer ban on Tanzania’s Young Africans Sport Club (Yanga) following the club’s failure to settle financial obligations owed to their former player, Augustine Okrah.
According to the initial tribunal ruling, Yanga was ordered to pay $24,400 in unpaid wages to Okrah, partially accepting his claim for outstanding remuneration. In addition to this payment, FIFA fined the club $3,000, which was to be paid to the governing body within 30 days of the decision. However, Yanga refused to settle the specified amounts, prompting FIFA to enforce the transfer ban.
The ban now prevents Yanga from registering new players internationally until they fulfill their financial obligations. Furthermore, FIFA has directed the Tanzania Football Federation to immediately implement a domestic registration ban, stopping Yanga from signing new players within the country.
The letter, signed by Américo Espallargas, FIFA’s Head of Disciplinary, emphasized the urgency for the Tanzania Football Federation to act swiftly if the local ban has not yet been imposed. This development poses a significant challenge for Young Africans Sport Club, potentially affecting their player recruitment strategy and performance in future competitions.
