DStv Premiership outfit TS Galaxy has been hit with a transfer ban by FIFA over an unpaid amount of R1.8 million owed to a former player.
The ban, confirmed by FIFA via a letter seen by FARPost, prohibits TS Galaxy from registering any new players internationally until the outstanding amount is settled.
According to documents seen by this publication, the FIFA ban reportedly stems from TS Galaxy’s contractual dispute with Ivorian striker Bernard Yao Kouassi.
As a result, The Rockets find themselves in a precarious position as they head into the 2024/25 PSL season. The transfer ban significantly restricts their movement in the transfer window.
“A ban from registering new players internationally has been implemented by FIFA as of today,” reads the statement.
“Moreover, and in accordance with the aforementioned decision. Respondent ́s member association is requested to immediately implement on the respondent, the Club TS Galaxy FC, a ban from registering new players at national level.
FIFA CONFIRMS TS GALAXY’S BAN FROM 12 JUNE 2024
Bernard Yao Kouassi signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with TS Galaxy in January 2023. But his stint at the club was short-lived. He departed in August of the same year without ever playing a game. The lanky forward now turns out for Rivers United in the Nigerian Professional Football League [NPFL].
This move has landed TS Galaxy in hot water. FIFA has imposed a three-window transfer ban on the club, making them the fourth PSL team facing such a sanction. Richards Bay FC, Royal AM, and JDR Stars are the other clubs on the list.
Additionally, Galaxy must pay R81,973.68 in legal fees.
TS Galaxy’s failure to settle the financial obligations to Yao Kouassi appears to have triggered the FIFA ban.
It will be fascinating to see how TS Galaxy copes with the upcoming season under the constraints of the transfer ban.
In the recently concluded season, Sead Ramović’s troops secured a club-best fifth-place finish in the DStv Premiership. In addition, the Rockets reached the Carling Knockout Cup final, where they lost to Stellenbosch FC.
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