FIFA orders Esperance to pay Sekhukhune R7.9 million for Mokwana, transfer ban looms

Sekhukhune United FC has scored a major victory in their legal battle with Tunisian giants Esperance with FIFA ordering the North African club to pay a substantial sum for the transfer of Elias Mokwana.

According to documents obtained by FARPost, FIFA has instructed Esperance to pay Sekhukhune R7.9 million in accordance with the agreed-upon transfer terms for Mokwana.

This amount includes the original transfer fee itself of USD 400,000 [R7.5 million], along with a 5% annual penalty interest accrued since August 2nd, 2024.

Esperance have been given a 45-day deadline by FIFA to settle the full amount owed to ‘Babina Noko’. This follows a FIFA ruling, as seen in a confirmation letter obtained by this publication. The four-time CAF Champions League winners received the notification on December 16th, 2024, as per the FIFA email.

ESPERANCE RISK TRANSFER BAN FOR FAILURE TO PAY SEKHUKHUNE UNITED

Should Esperance fail to meet the payment deadline, they will face a transfer ban, prohibiting them from registering new players both domestically and internationally.

“Pursuant to art. 24 of the Regulations, if full payment [including all applicable interest] is not made within 45 days of notification of this decision, the following consequences shall apply: 1. The Respondent shall be banned from registering any new players, either nationally or internationally, up until the due amount is paid. The maximum duration of the ban shall be of up to three entire and consecutive registration periods,

“2. The present matter shall be submitted, upon request, to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee in the event that full payment (including all applicable interest) is still not made by the end of the three entire and consecutive registration periods,” reads FIFA’s letter to Esperance.

Mokwana joined Esperance on a three-year deal in August 2024, ahead of the 2024/25 season, following his impressive performances with Sekhukhune United.

The Bafana Bafana winger has enjoyed a promising start to his North African adventure, particularly in the CAF Champions League. He has already made a significant impact, contributing two goals and two assists in just four appearances.

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