Sofapaka handed transfer ban for breaches on player contract

FKF Premier League side Sofapaka FC has been handed a transfer ban by FIFA for contract breaches towards their defender Moussa Omar.

In a FIFA letter dated 16 April 2024, Head of Judicial Bodies Julien Deux noted that the club had “not complied with its financial obligations” with the Burundian international, who is reported not to have received pay since re-signing with Batoto ba Mungu in August 2023.

FIFA, on top of imposing an international ban, has instructed the Football Kenya Federation to immediately implement a domestic player ban on the team, banning it from registering new players at national level.

Whilst clearer details in regards to the amount owed by the club are still to be determined, the new development becomes the second time the player is reporting Sofapaka to FIFA, years after the club had been sanctioned for the same violations.

Moussa, who joined Sofapaka from Rwandese top tier side Police on a two-year deal earlier this season, was reported in June 2021 to have moved to FIFA to petition the club to clear his salary arrears amounting to $7900 (then Ksh. 851 600) for their prolonged delay in clearing his arrears.

Moussa had joined the club in January 2018 on a two-year contract from another Rwandese outfit Bugesera FC.

He left in August 2019 on mutual agreement however, with the club promising to clear with him by latest December the same year.

Sofapaka, who had also been within that time reported by two other players: Ghanaian attacking midfielder Nana Ameyaw and Togolese goalkeeper Moubarak Aigba - who later withdrew his case - were finally able to clear the delayed payments in October 2022.

Sofapaka clears dues owed to former players

Sofapaka are currently three points above the relegation zone with 28 points from 26 matches.