Sport

Golden Arrows hit with FIFA transfer ban after failing to pay Knox Mutizwa

Lunga Biyela|Published

Durban club Golden Arrows have been hit with a transfer ban by world football governing body FIFA.

Image: BackpagePix

Durban club Golden Arrows have become the latest PSL club to be handed a global transfer ban by world football governing body FIFA.

According to the ruling handed down by FIFA, this is due to failing to pay Zimbabwean forward Knox Mutizwa, who used to play for the club for eight years until the end of last season. Mutizwa currently plays for Richards Bay FC.

In a letter to the club, published by iDiskiTimes, FIFA said: “We refer to the abovementioned matter, as well as the decision passed by FIFA in the matter ref. no. FPSD-20128 (the Decision).

“In this context, it appears that, despite the Decision, Golden Arrows (the Respondent) has not yet complied with its financial obligations towards Knox Mutizwa,” the letter continued.

Get your news on the go. Download the latest IOL App for Android and IOS now

“In this regard, we wish to inform the parties that a ban from registering new players internationally and nationally has been implemented by FIFA on the Respondent. 

“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.

“Lastly, the South African Football Association is requested to immediately implement on the Respondent a ban from registering new players at national level, if not done yet.”

Golden Arrows are now the second Betway Premiership club to be given a transfer ban by FIFA. In October, TS Galaxy had their transfer ban extended for the next three windows. Earlier in the year, the club were issued a transfer ban due to an outstanding payment of about R1.8 million owed to their former Ivorian forward, Bernard Yao Kouassi, who had signed in January 2023 but left by August of the same year without playing a game.

With the January window fast approaching, the pressure is now firmly on Arrows’ hierarchy to resolve the matter swiftly or face the prospect of standing still while their rivals strengthen. For a club already battling for consistency, the ban is a moment of reckoning that will test Golden Arrows’ leadership, financial discipline, and long-term ambition in South African football.

IOL Sport

Get your news on the go. Download the latest IOL App for Android and IOS now