FIFA has directed Zifa to implement an immediate transfer ban on former Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions Ngezi Platinum Stars for failure to pay former assistant coach Bongani Mafu his dues.
Mafu was sacked by Ngezi Platinum Stars in 2022 together with head coach Benjani Mwaruwari and the two approached Fifa on grounds of unfair dismissal and they won their case.
Mafu was awarded US$196 750 last year in September and Mwaruwari, who made his plea a little later, was granted close to US$600 000.
Ngezi Platinum engaged South African lawyers and appealed the Fifa decision on Mafu at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and they once again lost their case and the Fifa ruling remained binding.
The status of Mwaruwari’s case is yet to be established, but Mafu is yet to recieve anything from Ngezi Platinum even after two binding rulings from Fifa and CAS.
In correspondence written on Wednesday by Fifa head of disciplinary, Américo Espallargas, the international football governing body has effected a stringent transfer ban on Ngezi Platinum Stars, already in trouble after losing a considerable number of players and coach Takesure Chiragwi.
Said Espallargas: “We refer to the above-mentioned matter, as well as the decision passed by Fifa in the matter ref. no. FPSD-14215 (the Decision).
“In this context, it appears that, despite the decision, Ngezi Platinum Stars FC (the respondent) has not yet complied with its financial obligations towards Bongani Mafu.
- British Airways pilot jailed for lying about his flying experience on CV to get job
- Govt extinguishes Warriors’ Afcon dream
- Govt extinguishes Warriors’ Afcon dream
- Arbitration insights: Arbitration in the sporting realm
Keep Reading
“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.”
He added: “Lastly, the Zimbabwe Football Association is requested to immediately implement on the respondent a ban from registering new players at national level, if not done yet. We thank you for your kind attention to the above and for your valuable co-operation.”
The Mafu case is said to have courted the ire of the club’s stakeholders, locally and abroad after failing to abide by two mandatory rulings worsened by club management’s decision to hire expensive international lawyers to handle the appeal to CAS.
Ruling on Ngezi Platinum’s appeal in October, CAS said: “The appeal filed by Ngezi Platinum Stars Football Club on September 20, 2024 is inadmissible.
“The costs of the arbitration, to be determined and served to the parties by the CAS Court Office, shall be borne by Ngezi Platinum Stars Football Club.
“Each party shall bear its own costs and other expenses incurred in connection with this arbitration. All other motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.”
Armed with the two orders from Fifa and CAS, Mafu’s other option would to be approach the High Court in Zimbabwe to get his monies from Ngezi Platinum.
