FIFA Cracks Whip on Top South African Club

A South African club is among three African clubs handed lengthy transfer bans by world football governing body FIFA over various infractions.

FIFA has taken disciplinary action against the three, imposing transfer bans due to unresolved financial disputes.

The world football governing body announced that the sanctions were implemented after the clubs failed to adhere to rulings made by its dispute resolution chambers. The bans prevent the teams from registering any new players, effectively freezing their activity in upcoming transfer windows.

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South African tip fight side Golden Arrows, Al Anwar of Libya and Namibia's African Stars FC are the sanctioned clubs.

According to FIFA's official statement, the restrictions will remain in place "until full payment of all outstanding amounts." The disputes reportedly involve unpaid wages and severance packages, with some cases dating back several seasons.

FIFA reiterated that these measures are designed to "ensure contractual integrity and protect the rights of players," underscoring its firm stance against clubs that fail to meet their financial obligations.

Golden Arrows' sanction, which spans three consecutive transfer windows, officially began on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. While the specific details behind the ban have not yet been disclosed, the club will be unable to register any new players until the penalty is lifted.

This is a massive blow to coach Manqoba Mngqithi who has been building a squad capable of challenging for the top positions in the PSL as well as vying for trophies in cup competitions.

Arrows are not the only club facing such measures. TS Galaxy, who had been the sole top-flight team on the list since October, now has company. Galaxy had previously resolved five other bans earlier in the season, which allowed them to register a host of new signings. However, they are now facing a new sanction related to a pending case.

The club has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding a dispute with Liberian player Jegbay Morris Konneh. Konneh initially won his case at FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, but TS Galaxy requested the grounds for the decision and subsequently filed the appeal with CAS.

Other South African clubs currently under FIFA sanctions include Pretoria Callies and a club listed as Unolia, highlighting a wider issue of compliance within the South African football landscape.