FIFA bans Young Africans over Hafiz Konkoni compensation dispute

FIFA has imposed a player registration ban on Tanzanian club Young Africans SC due to their failure to comply with a compensation ruling in favour of Ghanaian striker Hafiz Konkoni.

Konkoni filed a complaint with FIFA after Young Africans prematurely terminated his contract without paying the agreed compensation.

Konkoni, who currently plays for Ethiopian club Bunna FC, joined Young Africans on a two-year deal from Bechem United in 2023.

However, his contract was terminated after just one year, and the club refused to pay the remainder of his signing-on fees. In addition to this, they removed his name from the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) system without his consent, further aggravating the situation. Konkoni subsequently took the matter to FIFA, which ruled in his favour.

FIFA’s decision, issued on October 17, 2024, has resulted in a ban that prevents Young Africans from registering new players until they compensate Konkoni.

This case highlights the ongoing issue of contract disputes in African football, with FIFA stepping in to enforce proper procedures and uphold players’ rights.