Cape Town City drags CR Belouizdad to FIFA

Cape Town City chairman John Comitis has confirmed that the club has formally reported Algerian side CR Belouizdad to FIFA over an unpaid instalment linked to the transfer of former striker Khanyisa Mayo.

The dispute stems from an outstanding payment that Cape Town City say was due in February as part of the agreed transfer structure when Mayo moved to the North African club. According to Comitis, the final instalment was never paid, prompting the South African side to escalate the matter to world football’s governing body.

Mayo has since returned to the South African top flight, spending the previous season on loan at Kaizer Chiefs, although his long-term status remains unclear following the expiration of that temporary move.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Comitis confirmed the club’s decision to involve FIFA and expressed disappointment over the situation, stressing the importance of clubs honouring contractual obligations in international transfers.

“That is correct. I believe they have done a deal with Kaizer Chiefs but have not yet paid us our last instalment. The money was due in February. It’s disappointing when clubs don’t respect their transfer agreements when they sign them,” Comitis said.

The Cape Town City boss further indicated that the matter has now been placed in FIFA’s hands for adjudication, as the club seeks to recover the outstanding funds.

The situation adds another layer of uncertainty around Mayo’s career path. While his loan spell at Kaizer Chiefs has ended, there is currently no official clarity on whether he will return to CR Belouizdad in Algeria, remain in South Africa, or pursue another move elsewhere, leaving his immediate future unresolved.

For Cape Town City, however, the focus is firmly on enforcing the original transfer agreement and ensuring compliance with international football regulations. The case now awaits FIFA’s review, with a decision expected to determine whether CR Belouizdad will be sanctioned or required to settle the outstanding payment.

The development highlights ongoing challenges in cross-border transfers, where delayed payments and contractual disputes continue to affect clubs across African football and beyond.