Richards Bay has been hit with a fresh transfer ban by FIFA for failing to settle outstanding payments owed to former defender Abdi Banda.
This marks the second time in recent months that the South African club has faced such sanctions, despite receiving financial support during the offseason.
FIFA’s Ruling and Its Consequences
The latest FIFA-imposed ban restricts Richards Bay from signing both domestic and international players until the debt to Banda is cleared.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has also been instructed to enforce the restriction within the country’s leagues.
According to FIFA’s ruling, the ban will remain in place for a maximum of three consecutive registration periods unless the club fulfills its financial obligations.
Banda, a Tanzanian international, was released at the end of last season after making just eight appearances for Richards Bay.
His contract was terminated following a red card in a loss to his former side, Chippa United.
Despite his limited involvement in the team’s campaign, the club is still required to honor its financial commitments to him.
Recurring Financial Disputes
This is not the first time FIFA has sanctioned Richards Bay over contractual disputes.
The club had previously been banned from player registrations due to a similar case involving Kenyan forward Ovella Ochieng.
Club chairman Sifiso Biyela accused Ochieng of dishonesty, but FIFA ruled in the player’s favor, forcing Richards Bay to pay a fine of R230,000 to lift the initial restriction.
Chippa United, Banda’s former club, has also faced FIFA sanctions in the past over unpaid wages to the same player.
These repeated financial disputes highlight ongoing administrative and financial challenges within South African football.
Urgency to Settle the Dispute
For Richards Bay, the only way to lift the latest transfer ban is to pay Banda the amount owed. With the club struggling in the league and needing reinforcements, resolving the issue swiftly is crucial.
If the situation remains unresolved, the inability to sign new players could further weaken the squad and impact its performance in the coming seasons.
As the saga unfolds, attention will be on whether Richards Bay can meet FIFA’s demands or face prolonged transfer restrictions that could severely hinder its competitiveness in South African football.
