By Ashiadey Dotse
FIFA has banned Tanzanian club Young Africans SC from registering new players because they didn’t follow a compensation order in favour of Ghanaian striker Hafiz Konkoni.
Konkoni took his case to FIFA after Young Africans ended his contract early without paying him the agreed amount.
Konkoni, who now plays for Ethiopian club Bunna FC, signed a two-year deal with Young Africans in 2023 after leaving Bechem United. However, his contract was cut short after just one year, and the club refused to pay the rest of his signing-on fees. Additionally, they removed his name from the Tanzania Football Federation’s system without his approval, worsening the issue. Konkoni then reported the matter to FIFA, which ruled in his favour.
FIFA’s ruling, made on October 17, 2024, means Young Africans can’t register any new players until they pay Konkoni.
This case highlights the ongoing problem of contract disputes in African football, with FIFA intervening to ensure fair procedures and protect players’ rights.
