Gor Mahia in FIFA crosshairs over another debt default

Football world governing body FIFA have banned record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia from registering any new players until they settle salary arrears owed to a former player.

Gor Mahia who only last month cleared their name from FIFA’s black book are back in the offenders list after Burundian forward Jules Ulimwengu reported a contractual breach which K’Ogalo failed to sort in the given period.

A club source revealed to Pulsesports.co.ke that the letter barring Gor Mahia from making signings was sent last week but the club management, fearful of backlash from fans are sitting on it.

“FIFA gave Gor Mahia 45 days to clear the pending monies to Ulimwengu failure to which another ban would be imposed. The office did not meet that deadline so FIFA sent the letter. It arrived earlier this week,” the source intimated

Ulimwengu’s claim dates back to the 2020/2021 Covid-19 era when Gor Mahia slashed his pay by half without requisite agreement and documentation.

“The players agreed half pay because the times were tough but there was no document signed so Ulimwengu went to FIFA to claim the other unpaid half. The claim is not much but Gor Mahia have not paid it so the ban is in place,” added the source

The timing of this latest embargo is alarming as K’Ogalo are positioning themselves for a shot at continental football with the team topping Football Kenya Federation Premier League standings.

With just six more round of fixtures pending before curtains come down on the season, Gor Mahia badly need the player transfer window to bolster their squad for CAf Champions League should they fend of Tusker, Nzoia Suga, KCB and Police FC to win the 2022/2023 FKF-PL title.

The squad’s soft underbelly has been exposed in several fixtures this season and apt business in the June player transfer window will go a long way in addressing Gor’s needs.

K’Ogalo signed Ulimwengu from Rwandan outfit Musanze but he quit Gor Mahia for Green eagles of Zambia in July 2022