The Fei Toto - Yanga conundrum persists

The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has reiterated its decision that highly-rated midfielder Feisal Salum should return to his club, Yanga, after the player requested a review of his case. Salum had terminated his contract with the club in December and returned the signing fee he had received initially while joining the club.

Yanga argued that Salum had breached his contract and had not informed them in writing about his reasons for terminating the contract. The club held on to the player, prompting the TFF to intervene.

In its initial ruling, the TFF had ordered Salum to return to Yanga. However, the player requested a review of his case, which the TFF granted. The recent ruling by the TFF reiterates its earlier decision that Salum should return to Yanga.

Salum is a highly-rated midfielder in Tanzania and has been a key player for Yanga. His departure has left a huge gap in the team, and his return would be a significant boost but he is not interested in rejoing the club. Initially after he "terminated his contract", word on the streets was that he was on his way to moneybags Azam FC but he instead took a short holiday to Dubai where he remained active under the watch of a professional fitness coach.

Fei Toto stuns Yanga, terminates contract

The conundrun has captured the attention of Tanzanians and his mother was on the news prior to the TFF review hearing, urging TFF to "deliver justice" to his son who has been "struggling" and is still not interested in returning to Yanga.

Does the club have the right to hold on to a player who has terminated his contract? Did he do it the right way? What next?The TFF's recent ruling suggests that the club does have that right.

The TFF's decision on this matter will have far-reaching implications for the future of Tanzanian football. It remains to be seen whether the ruling will be challenged or whether Salum will return to Yanga as ordered.