Win for Gor Mahia as FIFA bans Tunisian side over unpaid Ksh5.1 million transfer fee
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 30.04.26. | 20:06
In December 2025, the defender had threatened to terminate his contract with Etoile over unpaid dues
Tunisian side Etoile Sportive du Sahel have been hit with a transfer ban by FIFA after failing to settle a Ksh5.1 million transfer fee owed to Gor Mahia after signing defender Alphonce Omija.
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Omija completed his move in September 2025 following a standout campaign at the African Nations Championship (CHAN), but the record Kenyan champions are yet to receive the agreed fee, triggering FIFA’s intervention.
The situation had earlier escalated in December 2025 when the defender threatened to terminate his contract over unpaid dues. However, after negotiations, he returned to the club and has since become a central figure in the team.
In a strongly worded communication signed by FIFA Head of Disciplinary Americo Espallargas, the world governing football body confirmed that Etoile had failed to comply with a prior ruling.
“We refer to the abovementioned matter, as well as the decision passed by FIFA in the matter ref. no. FPSD-22900 (the Decision).
“In this context, it appears that, despite the Decision, Etoile Sportive Du Sahel (the Respondent) has not yet complied with its financial obligations towards Gor Mahia FC.
“In this regard, we wish to inform the parties that a ban from registering new players internationally and nationally has been implemented by FIFA on the Respondent. The registration ban will remain active until the amount due is paid and for a maximum duration of up to three entire and consecutive registration periods.
“Lastly, the Tunisian Football Association is requested to immediately implement on the Respondent a ban from registering new players at national level, if not done yet.
“We thank you for your kind attention to the above and for your valuable cooperation.”
The sanction effectively bars Etoile from registering players both domestically and internationally until the debt is cleared, with FIFA indicating the restriction could extend across three consecutive transfer windows if non-compliance persists.
The ruling marks a significant breakthrough for Gor Mahia, who have relentlessly pursued the payment, and places immediate pressure on the Tunisian club as their squad-building plans remain frozen until the outstanding amount is settled.