Wa Ganyu

Football governing body, FIFA, has banned Malawi club, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets from registering new players for a maximum duration of up to three seasons, Wa Ganyu here to confirm.

The ban follows Bullets’ failure to pay their player Ronald Chitiyo, a Zimbabwean, whose contract was terminated without following proper procedures.

On June 8 this year, FIFA ordered Bullets to pay Chitiyo US$15,200 (approximately MK26.3 million) as compensation for violating his contract.

The payment was required within 45 days, and failure to comply would result in transfer sanctions from the football governing body.

Since then, Bullets has not paid the amount hence Fifa pouncing on Bullets with a sanction.

A letter from FIFA legal portal which Wa Ganyu has seen reference number FDD-25376 has noted that Bullets has not paid the said amount and a registration ban has since been implemented.

Reads part of the letter: “We refer to the above mentioned matter, as well as the decision passed by FIFA in the matter ref. no. FPSD-18715 (the Decision). In this context, it appears that, despite the Decision, FCB NYASA BIG BULLETS (the Respondent) has not yet complied with its financial obligations towards Ronald Chitiyo. 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 letter further said 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.

“The Football Association of Malawi is requested to immediately implement on the Respondent a ban from registering new players at national level, if not done yet,” reads the letter signed by Américo Espallargas who is head of disciplinary.