In a significant blow to Kenya Premier League champions Gor Mahia, the world football governing body FIFA has enforced a transfer ban on the club. This action comes in response to Gor Mahia’s failure to settle a debt owed to Malian goalkeeper Adama Keita, according to a statement released by FIFA on Wednesday.
The decision, emanating from FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich, underscores Gor Mahia’s non-compliance with the regulations, particularly concerning the compensation owed to Keita following a contractual dispute. Keita, who represented the club in 2021, was initially awarded 4.4 million shillings by the Disputes Resolution Chamber as redress for the breach of his contract.
Earlier directives from the chamber in the same year had instructed Gor Mahia to remit payments to Keita. Subsequently, the Football Kenya Federation was tasked with overseeing a local payment plan, jointly devised by legal representatives of both parties in March of the previous year. This plan stipulated that Gor Mahia would incur penalties amounting to US$ 15,272 if they failed to clear the debt by April 30, 2023.
However, Gor Mahia failed to adhere to the payment plan, prompting FIFA to intervene in the matter.
Keita had inked a two-year contract with Gor Mahia in August 2021, during which he participated in numerous matches before disputes arose in May 2022. Citing Gor Mahia’s breach of contract due to unpaid wages spanning several months, Keita lodged an appeal with FIFA.
Consequently, Keita parted ways with the club in July 2022. In November of the same year, the Disputes Resolution Chamber ruled in his favor, granting him 4.4 million shillings in compensation, inclusive of a 5 percent interest.
The transfer ban imposed on Gor Mahia was finally lifted in March 2023, following the club’s implementation of a payment plan. This plan involved an initial disbursement of $16,000 to the player, with a commitment to reimburse the remaining $14,544 by April 2023.
However, Keita pursued further action with FIFA on April 30th, 2023, seeking the payment of the outstanding amount along with accrued penalties.
