The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has wielded the big stick, handing a transfer ban to Nigeria National League (NNL) side Heartland FC of Owerri over alleged unpaid contractual entitlements to Ivorian player Roland N’goran Koffi and others, Completesports.com reports.
The Ivorian midfielder joined the Naze Millionaires in the 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season on a season-long deal.
The 29-year-old and his representatives dragged the five-time Nigerian champions before the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, claiming the club owed him outstanding payments.
Heartland Ignored FIFA’s Earlier Directive
Since the 2017/2018 season, the player has been pressing FIFA to compel Heartland to settle his dues. FIFA had previously mandated the club to make the payment, but it appears that directive was ignored by successive administrations.
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In a letter dated October 3, 2025, and signed by Espallargas Americo, FIFA confirmed that Heartland failed to comply with an earlier ruling (Ref. No. FPSD-19817) ordering the club to pay Koffi his outstanding entitlements.
Transfer Ban Imposed Until Debt Is Cleared
The ruling followed a protracted contractual dispute that had dragged on for several seasons despite multiple reminders and deadlines. Consequently, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has slammed an immediate transfer ban on Heartland — preventing the club from registering new players both nationally and internationally until full payment is made.
The sanction, also signed by Americo Espallargas, FIFA’s Head of Disciplinary, will remain in force until the club clears its debts in full. If the outstanding amount is not settled promptly, the restriction could last up to three entire and consecutive registration periods.
FIFA Directs NFF To Enforce Sanction
FIFA has further directed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to enforce the sanction domestically, ensuring Heartland are barred from registering any new players within the Nigerian league system until full compliance is achieved.
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“The registration ban will remain active until the amount due is paid and for a maximum duration of up to three entire and consecutive registration periods,” the correspondence emphasised.
FIFA Sanction a Setback For Relegated Heartland
This development represents a major setback for Heartland, who are currently rebuilding their squad following their relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to the Nigeria National League (NNL) last season.
FIFA’s decision effectively means the Owerri-based side cannot reinforce their squad ahead of the 2025/2026 NNL campaign unless they comply with the payment directive.
More Players Await Payment
In addition to the FIFA order, the NFF Players’ Status and Arbitration Committee (PSAC) has also directed Heartland to pay outstanding entitlements to former players Umah Johnson, Esobe Chukwudi, Ugochukwu Leonard, Ezekiel Bassey, and four others.
By Sab Osuji
