FIFA Bans Katsina United, 22 Other African Clubs from Player Registration

World football governing body, FIFA, has banned Nigeria Premier Football League side, Katsina United, alongside twenty-two other African clubs, from registering players. The affected clubs include DC Motema Pembe, TP Mazembe, Future FC, Al Masry, Zamalek SC, Horoya AC, Raja Club Athletic, Wydad Athletic Club, African Stars FC, Kiyovu Sports Association, Royal AM, TS Galaxy FC, Singida Big Stars FC, Tabora United, Club Africain, CS Sfaxien, Etoile du Sahel, US Monastir, Mbarara City FC, Buildcon FC, Indeni FC, and Lusaka Dynamos FC.

The ban on Katsina United, which started on June 12, 2024, will last for three registration periods. This decision comes as a result of contractual infractions involving the club and several players.

The ruling has thrown Katsina United into disarray, with key players already leaving for other clubs. Some players, whose contracts were verbally terminated, are hesitant to rejoin the team.

A player, speaking anonymously to our reporter, shared his experience: “The team manager called to inform me that my services were no longer needed, even though I still had one year left on my contract. They offered to pay me three months’ salary to find another club, or alternatively, to stay and receive my monthly salary but not play. This left me very confused.”

He added, “Later, my lawyer informed me that the club had reversed its decision and wanted me to return. However, I consider my contract terminated by Katsina United, and I expect to be paid off so I can continue my career elsewhere.”