Richards Bay FC have provided an update on their FIFA transfer ban, which stems from unpaid compensation to their former defender Abdi Banda.
Six days ago, FARPost reported that the Betway Premiership club was hit with a FIFA transfer ban following Banda’s decision to bring the issue before the international football governing body.
This prohibition prevented Richards Bay from signing new players until the unpaid debt to the 29-year-old central defender was resolved.
Banda joined the Natal Rich Boyz in the 2023/24 campaign as a free agent after he cut ties with the Gqeberha-based outfit Chippa United.
The defender, who is now back on his home soil in Tanzania turning out for Dojoma Jiji FC, only spent a season with the KZN side after struggling for game time. He joined Limpopo club Baroka FC, which is participating in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, before returning to Tanzania.
RICHARDS BAY FC’S OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE FIFA TRANSFER BAN
The club has now stated that they obtained a letter from FIFA authorising them to sign new players as their ban has been lifted.
“Richards Bay FC would like to confirm that the matter between the club and FIFA regarding the registration ban has been lifted,” reads the club statement.
“The club is now free to sign any player that is available.”
Richards Bay are currently in position 11 on the Betway Premiership log standings with 24 points after 22 games. In those games, the Natal Rich Boyz secured six wins and six draws and suffered 10 defeats.
The club’s next game will be against Polokwane City FC away from home on Sunday, 30 March. The kick-off is at 15:30 at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
RELATED STORY: Larsen confirms PSL clubs’ talks & speaks on Richards Bay failed move
