FIFA lifts registration ban linked to Kaizer Chiefs striker Khanyisa Mayo

Kaizer Chiefs striker Khanyisa Mayo has received a significant boost in his return from injury after FIFA lifted the registration ban linked to his transfer from Cape Town City to CR Belouizdad.

The ban was removed three days ago, according to FIFA, after the Algerian club settled the final outstanding instalment of Mayo’s transfer fee with Cape Town City. The payment dispute had led City to file two separate cases with football’s world governing body.

Mayo moved to CR Belouizdad two years ago in a deal worth approximately R20 million. The agreement required the Algerian club to pay the fee in three instalments.

Although CR Belouizdad completed the first payment without difficulty, the club failed to honour the remaining two instalments on time. Cape Town City were therefore forced to pursue the matter through FIFA’s legal process on two occasions once over the second payment and again regarding the third.

After CR Belouizdad failed to comply with FIFA’s ruling, the governing body imposed a transfer ban on the club. The Algerian side eventually paid the third instalment in July, a payment that had originally been due in February.

Cape Town City president John Comitis had previously confirmed that the outstanding amount had been received. Despite the payment, however, the registration ban connected to Mayo remained in place for a further six weeks before it was finally removed.

Mayo has since joined Kaizer Chiefs on a permanent transfer after spending the previous season at the club on loan. Kaizer Chiefs are reported to have paid a transfer fee of R10 million for the striker.

The forward scored twice in 15 appearances during his loan spell, but he has not yet featured for Amakhosi this season because of injury.

His return is not expected until after the FIFA break, meaning the lifting of the ban provides an administrative resolution while he continues his recovery. The latest development nevertheless removes the remaining FIFA-related restriction surrounding his transfer and clears the way for his registration with Kaizer Chiefs.

The dispute began with the transfer agreement between Cape Town City and CR Belouizdad, rather than with Mayo’s permanent move to Kaizer Chiefs. It was the Algerian club’s failure to complete the agreed payments that resulted in the FIFA action and the subsequent appearance of CR Belouizdad on the governing body’s transfer-ban list.

Mayo’s next focus will now be his rehabilitation and a return to competitive football, with Kaizer Chiefs awaiting his availability after the international break.