Chippa United handed fresh FIFA registration ban over Roland Sanou debt

Chippa United have been hit with another FIFA registration ban after failing to settle money owed to Burkinabe midfielder Roland Sanou.

The sanction prevents the Gqeberha-based club from registering new players at both national and international level for three consecutive transfer windows. The ban will remain in place until Chippa United pays the outstanding debt to Sanou.

FIFA has informed the parties involved of the decision in a letter seen by KickOff.com. The world governing body has also instructed the South African Football Association (SAFA) to enforce the restriction immediately within South Africa, if that has not already been done.

The latest development adds to a growing list of registration disputes involving Chippa United in recent years. The club, also known as the Chilli Boys, have repeatedly faced transfer bans linked to unpaid salaries, compensation or transfer-related money owed to former foreign players, coaches and staff members.

Chippa United were also threatened with a registration ban by former head coach Luc Eymael late last year, with the matter continuing into early 2026. FIFA has consistently made clear that clubs who fail to meet their financial obligations can be prevented from registering players.

The club’s latest case centres on Sanou, although the details of the amount owed and the nature of the financial dispute have not been disclosed in the information available. FIFA’s ruling means Chippa United will be unable to strengthen their squad through new registrations unless they resolve the outstanding payment.

This is not the first time the club have been unable to sign players because of a FIFA order.

From November 2023, Chippa United were under a registration ban for just over a year after a dispute involving Tanzanian defender Abdi Banda. The case related to unpaid compensation following Banda’s departure while he was still contracted to the club.

That ban was lifted only after Chippa United settled the money owed to Banda. The club had also been barred by FIFA from registering players in May 2022 because of an unresolved debt to Nigerian striker Augustine Kwem.

The recurring sanctions have placed Chippa United under continued financial and administrative pressure, with each ban limiting the club’s ability to bring in reinforcements during transfer windows.

Under the latest FIFA decision, the restriction applies domestically and internationally, meaning the club cannot register new signings through the South African system or in international transfers. The ban will continue across three consecutive windows unless the debt to Sanou is paid and the relevant football authorities are notified.