NPFL club Katsina United get FIFA ban
World football governing body, FIFA, has banned Nigeria Premier Football League side Katsina United, along with 22 other African clubs, from registering new players. The ban, which began on June 12, 2024, will last for three registration periods and stems from recent contractual infractions involving the club and several players.
A search on the FIFA website confirmed the ban on Katsina United. 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 has thrown Katsina United into disarray, with some key players already leaving for other clubs. Adding to the club’s woes, some players whose contracts were verbally terminated are not willing to rejoin the team.
A player, speaking anonymously to a Daily Trust reporter, shared his experience: “The team manager called to inform me that my services were no longer needed, so I shouldn’t return to the club.”
“I still have one year of my contract left, so I was confused. But he said they will pay me three months so I can find another club. He also said if that is not acceptable to me, I should resume, but I won’t be part of the team, although they will be paying my monthly salary. That got me even more confused.”
He continued, “Therefore, I was surprised when my lawyer called to inform me that the club has said I should return to Katsina. That they are no longer terminating my contract.”
“Well, my position is that my contract is already terminated by Katsina United, so they will pay me off so that I can go elsewhere to continue my career,” he concluded.
