FIFA bans Young Africans over unpaid wages to Augustine Okrah

The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has announced a ban on Tanzanian side Young Africans Sport Club (Yanga SC) from registering new players internationally.

The decision comes after the club failed to settle $24,400 in unpaid wages to Ghanaian player Augustine Okrah.

In a statement released by FIFA on 11 November 2024, it was indicated that an initial ruling had compelled Yanga to make the payment to Okrah. However, the club has defied the ruling.

In response, FIFA has now barred the Tanzanian club from signing international players until the $24,400 in unpaid wages is paid to the Ghanaian forward.

“We refer to the abovementioned matter, as well as the decision passed by FIFA in the matter ref. no. FPSD-15711 (the Decision). In this context, it appears that, despite the Decision, the Young Africans Sport Club (the Respondent) has not yet complied with its financial obligations towards Augustine Okrah.

“In this regard, we wish to inform the parties that a ban from registering new players internationally has been implemented by FIFA on the Respondent. The registration ban will remain active until the amount due is paid. Lastly, the Tanzania Football Federation is requested to immediately implement on the Respondent a ban from registering new players at the national level, if not done yet,” portions of the statement read.

It will be recalled that the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber ruled in favour of Augustine Okrah, mandating Young Africans SC (Yanga SC) to pay $24,400 in unpaid wages owed to the player in September 2024.

The ruling arose from a payment dispute during Okrah's tenure at the Tanzanian club.

In addition to the payment order, Yanga was fined $3,000 by FIFA, which they were mandated to settle within 30 days.

Since leaving Yanga, Okrah has joined Bechem United in the Ghana Premier League.

The case underscores the importance of honouring contractual obligations between clubs and players, as well as FIFA's role in ensuring fair treatment and compensation for athletes globally.

Read the statement by FIFA below:



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