Sigh of relief as FIFA lifts Bandari transfer ban after multi-million shilling payout to Moroccan coach
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 29.06.26. | 13:39
With the registration ban set to be lifted, the club is now expected to strengthen its squad significantly as it looks to mount a stronger challenge in the 2026-2027 season
Bandari FC have settled the outstanding amount owed to former head coach Mohamed Borji, paving the way for FIFA to lift the club's transfer registration ban ahead of the 2026-2027 season.
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The Mombasa-based side had been sanctioned by FIFA after failing to meet financial obligations owed to the Moroccan coach following a dispute that was heard by FIFA's Players' Status Chamber.
Borji, who was appointed in October 2025 on a one-year deal, left the club after just two months despite an initial announcement that his exit had been by mutual agreement.
The case was later taken to FIFA, which ruled partially in Borji's favour and ordered Bandari to pay USD 6,483.87 (approximately KSh837,067) in outstanding remuneration and USD 22,500 (approximately KSh2.9 million) as compensation for breach of contract, while dismissing all other claims.
After the club failed to settle the amount within the stipulated period, FIFA activated a transfer registration ban, preventing Bandari from registering new players both internationally and domestically.
In its ruling, FIFA stated: "Bandari has not yet complied with its financial obligations towards Mohamed Borji."
A subsequent enforcement letter under case FPSD-23074 confirmed: "A ban from registering new players internationally and nationally has been implemented."
FIFA also directed the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to immediately enforce the sanction at the domestic level.
However, the embargo remained conditional under FIFA regulations and could be lifted once the outstanding amount, together with any applicable interest, had been paid.
With Bandari now having cleared the debt owed to Borji, the transfer ban is expected to be lifted, allowing the club to register new players ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
The development comes at a crucial time for the Dockers, who endured a disappointing 2025-2026 campaign.
Bandari managed just nine league wins in 34 matches and finished third in the Mozzart Bet Cup.
With the registration ban set to be lifted, the club is now expected to strengthen its squad significantly as it looks to mount a stronger challenge in the 2026-2027 season.
Borji oversaw just six matches during his brief spell in charge, recording one win, three draws and two defeats before his departure.
He was replaced by Bernard Mwalala, who guided the team through the remainder of the campaign, though inconsistency continued to hamper the club's performances.