Tunisian giants Club Africain have encountered yet another financial blow, following a ruling in favor of their former player, Rodrigue Kossi Fiogbé. The decision, which comes on the heels of a similar dispute with ex-player Alioune Mbaye, mandates the club to compensate Kossi with 139,000 dinars.
The North African club, already grappling with underwhelming performances on the field, now faces additional financial woes.
The latest setback involves Kossi, the Beninese midfielder, who had a tenure with Club Africain from 2018 to 2023. He subsequently transferred to Al-Taraji in Saudi Arabia on a free move.
“It is a challenging period for Club Africain, both in terms of sporting outcomes and financial stability,” commented an insider close to the club.
The situation underscores the persistent issues plaguing the Tunis-based outfit.
FIFA, the global football governing body, communicated its ruling to Club Africain, emphasizing the obligation to pay the stipulated amount to Kossi within 45 days.
Failure to comply with this directive could lead to severe penalties, including a potential transfer ban for the club.
Kossi, a seasoned international with 13 caps for Benin, made significant contributions during his spell with Club Africain.
He featured in 64 matches across all competitions, showcasing his versatility and commitment. Despite his efforts on the pitch, the financial dispute has now overshadowed his contributions, placing additional strain on the club’s administration.
The ruling is a stark reminder of the financial and legal challenges that can arise in professional football.
For Club Africain, it highlights the urgent need to address contractual and financial management issues to avoid further sanctions and maintain stability within the club.
As Club Africain navigates this turbulent phase, the resolution of such disputes will be crucial in restoring both financial health and morale.
The club’s supporters will be hoping for swift and effective measures to prevent future setbacks and to ensure the team can focus on delivering improved performances on the field.
In the meantime, Rodrigue Kossi will be awaiting the fulfillment of the compensation awarded to him, a scenario that underscores the importance of honoring contractual obligations in professional sports.
