Gor Mahia Score Big as FIFA Bans Tunisian Club Over Unpaid Alphonce Omija Transfer Fee

Tunisian side Etoile Sportive du Sahel have been handed a transfer ban by FIFA for failing to pay a Ksh5.1 million transfer fee owed to Gor Mahia for defender Alphonce Omija.

Omija joined the Tunisian club last September after an impressive performance at the African Nations Championship (CHAN). However, the Kenyan champions never received the agreed-upon payment, prompting them to seek intervention from world football's governing body.

The dispute had previously intensified in December 2025 when Omija himself threatened to terminate his contract with Etoile over unpaid wages. Although he eventually returned to the team after discussions and has since become a key player, the transfer fee remained unsettled.

In a formal communication, FIFA confirmed that Etoile had not adhered to a previous financial ruling. The letter, signed by FIFA's Head of Disciplinary, Americo Espallargas, outlined the consequences.

"It appears that, despite the Decision, Etoile Sportive Du Sahel... 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," read part of the decision from FIFA.

The sanction prevents Etoile from signing any new players, both domestically and internationally, until the debt to Gor Mahia is paid in full. FIFA warned that the ban could last for a maximum of three consecutive registration periods if the club continues to default on the payment.

The ruling also instructed the Tunisian Football Association to enforce the registration ban at a national level immediately if it had not already done so.

This decision represents a significant win for Gor Mahia in their persistent efforts to secure the outstanding funds. The ban places immediate and considerable pressure on Etoile, whose plans to strengthen their squad are now on hold until the Ksh5.1 million debt is cleared.