FIFA finally lifts debilitating transfer ban on Gor Mahia

© Image: Gor Mahia Facebook Page

FKFPL FIFA finally lifts debilitating transfer ban on Gor Mahia

Festus Chuma 14:35 - 24.03.2023

K'Ogalo was forced to pay their former players before being cleared.

Record Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions Gor Mahia are looking forward to registering new players after world governing body FIFA lifted a transfer ban on them.

FIFA's Disciplinary Committee banned Gor Mahia in October 2021 after the club failed to pay former players Ghana's Owusu Jackson and ex-Mali international Adama Keita.

https://twitter.com/OfficialGMFC/status/1639224883287584769?s=20

According to the ruling, Gor Mahia were banned for two transfer windows. K’Ogalo were reported to have tried to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland but were unsuccessful.

But on Friday Gor Mahia management disclosed good news that they have been cleared after paying all the monies and fines imposed to them by the world football governing body.

“K'Ogalo who have not been able to sign players in the last 2 years can now do so nationally and internationally.

 After lifting the ban, FIFA through its Senior Judicial Bodies Manager Mr. Jorge Herrero confirmed the good news this afternoon in his communication to Gor Mahia and FKF," the clubs said in a statement.

"Gor Mahia has suffered under this ban that was slapped by FIFA owing to the following cases that have now been cleared and lifted;

-Ref. no. FDD-9168 - Case closed and ban lifted as per our confirmation from 22 March 2023.

- Ref. no. FDD-10504 - Case closed and ban lifted as per our confirmation from 24 March 2023 (attachment 2).

- Ref. no. FDD-13894 - Case closed and ban lifted as per our confirmation from 24 March 2023.

- Ref. no. FDD-13895 - Case closed and ban lifted as per our confirmation from 23 March 2023.

This ban included 2 mandatory non-signing windows, ban occasioned by claims filed at FIFA by players Owusu, Adama and a FIFA fine that amounted to CHF 7,000. All of which are cleared and lifted,” adds the club statement.

Gor Mahia relied on a lean squad as they could not register new players despite having signed several players including Enock Wanyama, Sylvester Owino, Rwandese international Emery Bayisenge, Uganda’s Patrick Kaddu and Shafiq Kagimu.

K'Ogalo are currently on top of the FKFPL table, having amassed 42 points from 20 matches played this season.

Gor Mahia will face off with Vihiga Bullets when the league resumes on Wednesday, and a win will increase their gap at the top to seven points.