Record Kenyan Premier League champions, Gor Mahia have been granted a reprieve following the lifting of a transfer embargo imposed by the world football governing body, Fifa in 2021.
The club brought the development to light in a statement on Friday. “We are pleased to inform all fans that Fifa has lifted the two-window transfer ban that was imposed on us. We are now free to sign and register new players,” the statement read.
In a similar correspondence made on Friday, Fifa said it had closed Gor’s case after the prescribed period for ban elapsed.
“We hereby acknowledge receipt of your correspondence and have taken note of the information therein provided (attachment 1),” the letter read.
“Ref. No. FDD-9139- 2 registration periods ban elapsed and, therefore, lifted. Ref. No. FDD-9168- Case closed and the ban lifted as per our confirmation from March 22, 2023. Ref No. FDD-10504 - Case closed and the ban lifted as per our confirmation on March 24, 2023 (attachment 2).Ref No. FDD-13894- Case closed and the ban lifted as per our confirmation from March 24, 2023. Ref. No. FDD-13895-Case closed and ban lifted as per our confirmation from March 23, 2023.”
Gor suffered Fifa’s wrath after disregarding an initial directive prohibiting them from signing new players, following a case filed by former players Ugandan Shafik Batambuze, Tanzanian Dickson Ambundo and coach Steven Polack.
Others enjoined in the suit were Ghanaian midfielder Steven Owusu, Congolese forward Sando Sando Yangayay and Malian goalkeeper Adama Keita.
“The club Gor Mahia is found responsible for failing to comply with a Fifa decision,” read a letter to the club then.
“The club Gor Mahia is banned from registering new players for two entire and consecutive registration periods as from the date of notification of the present decision.”
Fifa also took stern action against FKF for clearing the newly acquired players without its approval. “The Football Kenya Federation is ordered to pay a fine to the amount of (Sh6 million0 for failing to comply with a final Fifa decision,” the letter continued.
Jonathan McKinstry, the head coach, enticed seven new players to join the team in the hopes that the suspension would soon be lifted.
They are Sylvester Owino, a highly-rated defender, who joined from Kakamega Homeboyz, Harambee Stars U20 winger Enock Wanyama, Gilbert Otieno (defender), Bonface Omondi (left back), attacking midfielder Jerome Bryson and Parmenas Ochola who were both promoted from the academy side.
In a recent interview, the club’s honcho, Ambrose Rachier, revealed that they were racing against time to settle a total fine of Sh8 million imposed by Fifa.
“The pressure to pay up, now that the transfer window is nearing is high, but we have a payment plan with the affected players which we have been following, and you can be sure we’ll be able to sign new players.”
