TS Galaxy hit with fresh FIFA transfer registration ban despite unveiling 14 new signings

TS Galaxy face a renewed FIFA transfer registration ban just days after parading 14 new recruits, leaving the Premier Soccer League (PSL) club unable to register any of their latest signings ahead of the new Betway Premiership season.

The domestic transfer window opened at the start of July, with the league campaign due to kick off in 10 days’ time. But FIFA’s latest circular on registration bans has cast a shadow over the Mpumalanga side’s preparations.

According to the world governing body, TS Galaxy are currently the only top-flight club in South Africa barred from registering new players “due to various infractions, such as financial disputes or regulatory breaches”.

The club, who have become regulars on FIFA’s sanction lists, have again been placed in what insiders refer to as the “sin bin”.

FIFA confirms latest Galaxy sanction

In its most recent update, FIFA reiterates that “the registration ban list ensures transparency and compliance within the sport, allowing stakeholders to stay informed about which clubs are ineligible to sign new players during the ban period”.

The latest registration embargo on TS Galaxy came into force on 27 February 2026 and will remain in place until the outstanding issues are resolved and the sanction is formally lifted.

Club owner and chairman Tim Sukazi has previously characterised the matter as largely administrative, indicating that it is tied to processes linked to the FIFA Clearing House – the central system used to manage and distribute transfer-related payments.

Galaxy have already had to deal with at least five separate bans this year alone, underlining the scale and persistence of their regulatory problems.

Last season’s struggles return to haunt Galaxy

This is not the first time the Rockets have gone into a campaign hampered by a registration block.

Last season, they were similarly prevented from registering a host of new arrivals at the start of the campaign, a disruption widely viewed as having contributed to their on-field difficulties.

Those affected at the time included Ntandoyenkosi Nkosi, Anslin William, Matome Mmolai, Mzwandile Dlamini, Siyabonga Nguessan, Onke Moletshe, Sedwyn George and Veluyeke Zulu, all of whom were forced to wait before their registrations could be processed.

The club faced what sources described as a “long list” of up to five separate bans, and had to pay out hundreds of thousands of rand to have them lifted over the course of the season.

New signings left in limbo

The latest embargo comes just as Galaxy announced a major squad overhaul over the past weekend, confirming the capture of 14 players.

Among the headline arrivals is former Mamelodi Sundowns left-back Sifiso Ngobeni. He is joined by Zuko Gxabusa, Edson Khumalo, Camagu Mdevulana, Mpho Maoke, Anslin William, Simthandile Sishi, Bongani van den Heede, Lennol Mathebula, Azola Jakalashe, Thabelo Tshikweta, Katekane Mhlongo, Nhlakanipho Ngwenya and Siphesihle Tati.

However, despite having signed deals with the club, none of these players can currently be registered with the PSL because Galaxy remain blacklisted under FIFA regulations.

Unless the ban is lifted swiftly, coach and players alike face the prospect of starting the season without the benefit of the club’s extensive recruitment drive.

The present transfer window runs until 22 September, leaving Galaxy some time to resolve their issues – but with the league kick-off just days away, time is tight to ensure the new recruits are eligible from the opening rounds.

Mixed news for PSL as others cleared

While TS Galaxy grapple with yet another sanction, there has been more positive news elsewhere in the PSL.

Two other clubs, Chippa United and Richards Bay FC, who had previously been listed under FIFA’s transfer restrictions, have now had their bans lifted, clearing them to register new players in the current window.

Their reprieve contrasts sharply with Galaxy’s repeated run-ins with football’s authorities, and places added pressure on the Mpumalanga outfit to finally bring their regulatory affairs into line.

With the Betway Premiership season fast approaching, the club’s ability to resolve the latest FIFA ban could prove decisive in determining whether their ambitious recruitment drive translates into competitive progress on the pitch – or remains stalled on the sidelines.