English Championship side Watford have been slammed with an international transfer ban by FIFA for failing to pay solidarity compensation entitlements to former Nigeria international, Samuel Kalu’s former training club, Completesports.com reports.
Upon Samuel Kalu’s transfer to Watford from French side Bordeaux in January 2022, Megamu Football Academy Club approached the London club for their solidarity compensation entitlements. And when they were not forthcoming, the Aba-based club took their case to FIFA and the world football ruling body ordered Watford to pay the Nigerian club within 45 days.
After Watford failed to pay within the stipulated period, the Nigerian club, through their attorneys, Activity Chambers, requested for an implementation of a transfer ban on the Championship side and FIFA has duly obliged.
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“We refer to the above-mentioned matter as well as to the Decision passed by FIFA (the Decision),” the letter signed by FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s Head of Judicial Bodies (Adjudicatory), Julien Deux, sent to Watford FC and copied to the English FA reads.
“In this context, it appears that, despite the Decision, the respondent, Watford FC (the Respondent) has still not complied with its financial obligations towards Megamu Football Academy Club (the
Claimant).
“In this regard, we wish to inform the parties that a ban from registering new players
internationally has been implemented by FIFA as of 19 July 2023.
“Moreover, and in accordance with the aforementioned decision, the Football Association (in copy) is requested to immediately implement on the respondent the Club Watford FC, if not
done yet, a ban from registering new players at national level.
“We thank you for taking note of the above and for your valuable cooperation in this matter.”
When Activity Chambers were contacted on the development their spokesperson Mr. Samuel E. Ogbah confirmed the story but refused to comment much as the matter was still an ongoing judicial matter
“All I can confirm is that it is true that FIFA have hit Watford with a transfer ban for failing to pay solidarity compensation to our clients but at this moment I cannot say more,” he told Completesports.com.
By Nnamdi Ezekute
1 Comment
Serves them right!
I hope the ban holds. These European clubs are guilty of exploiting African clubs and academies. I’m fully aware that our leagues in Africa are sub-standard and our various FAs should try and formulate and implement policies that would uplift our leagues, but the truth is that European clubs have been ruthlessly exploiting our leagues and players for years.
They come down to Africa and pay peanuts for some of our most talented players. In most cases our clubs are forced to accept these pittances because of the harsh economic situations in our various countries. These players are then quickly ferried to Europe and within a very short time, some of them are sold on for millions, making profits hands-over fists, in the process.
When they do it, they are seen as smart and savvy.
When we ask for fair pay, we are stereotyped as a greedy set of people.