Kaizer Chiefs face a transfer ban from FIFA that could span over two years as punishment after world football's governing body ruled on one of their signings in 2018…
The Glamour Boys snapped up Madagascan international, Andriamirado 'Dax' Andrianarimanana, after he was cleared by FIFA to play for the club following a dispute with his former employers, Fosa Juniors, over whether or not he had a professional contract in Madagascar prior to his move.
Chiefs seemingly thought that the matter had been put to bed, but they now have 21 days to appeal a sentence of two transfer windows without inward activity – that appeal (should they decide to do one) must go before the Court of Arbitration for Sport and be sent to CAS directly.
A document from FIFA regarding Amakosi's punishment stated, "Respondent II, Kaizer Chiefs FC, shall be banned from registering any new players, either nationally or internationally, for the two next entire and consecutive registration periods following the notification of the present decision."
FIFA's decision means that, as things stand, Chiefs will not be able to sign any new players at the club until the end of the 2020/21 season, though that could be reduced – or possibly even overturned – if they are successful with an appeal.
Meanwhile, regarding the player's sanction, the document read, "A restriction of four months on his eligibility to play in official matches is imposed on the Respondent I, Andriamirado Aro Hasina Andrianarimanana. This sanction applies with immediate effect as of the date of notification of the present decision. The sporting sanction shall remain suspended in the period between the last official match of the season and the first official match of the next season, in both cases including national cups and FIFA international championships for clubs."
Chiefs will no doubt point to the fact that they were cleared to register 'Dax' by FIFA in 2018 prior to his Chiefs debut, and it is also believed that the club brought in a signature expert who concluded that the contract was forged.
The Siya crew will continue to look into the matter.
