FIFA hits Tunisia's Etoile du Sahel with transfer ban over Gor Mahia dispute

In a communication dated April 30, 2026, FIFA confirms that the Tunisian side has not complied with an earlier decision issued against the club to pay Gor Mahia Ksh6.4 million.

The ruling had directed Etoile du Sahel to pay Gor Mahia an agreed transfer fee, but the payment remains outstanding months after the deadline.

“A ban from registering new players internationally and nationally has been implemented by FIFA on the respondent.”

As a result, FIFA has now enforced a ban preventing Etoile from registering new players both internationally and domestically.

The sanction takes immediate effect and will remain in place until the amount due is fully settled, or for a maximum of three consecutive registration periods.

The letter further clarifies that the restriction will persist "until the amount due is paid and for a maximum duration of up to three entire and consecutive registration periods."

FIFA has also instructed the Tunisian Football Association to ensure the ban is implemented at national level without delay, reinforcing compliance with the global body's disciplinary framework.

The decision marks a significant escalation in a dispute that has been ongoing since early this year. Gor Mahia had raised concerns after Etoile allegedly failed to honour a USD 50,000 (approximately KSh 6.4 million) agreement tied to Omija's move to Tunisia in September 2025.

Gor Mahia club officials indicated that despite initial assurances, communication from Etoile ceased, prompting the club to pursue the matter through FIFA's legal structures.

Beyond the financial dispute, reports had also emerged regarding Omija's welfare, including delayed salary payments and concerns over how his earnings were being handled, adding further scrutiny to the situation.