Highlanders FC Banned from Signing New Players Over Debt to Former Coaches
For all the News from Mashonaland Central, Join One of Our Groups:
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has prohibited Highlanders FC from signing new players both internationally and domestically, due to the club’s failure to pay its former coach, Baltemar Brito, his outstanding salaries.
According to Zimpapers Sports Hub, Highlanders owes Brito a total of US$14,778, with an additional US$237.71 in interest as of 17 October 2024.The club also owes his assistant, Antonio Joao Torres, US$11,788 plus US$193.74 in interest, as of the same date. FIFA has stipulated that the debts will continue to accrue interest at a rate of 5 per cent per annum until the payments are settled.This dispute has been ongoing since last year after the coaches’ efforts to resolve the issue with Highlanders were unsuccessful. Consequently, the matter was taken to FIFA.
The club was given a 45-day deadline to settle the debts, but they failed to meet the deadline, leading to the ban.Highlanders had been hoping to strengthen their squad following the departures of key players such as Lynoth Chikuhwa, Godfrey Makaruse, Peter Muduhwa, and Marvelous Chigumira.FIFA formally communicated the ban to Highlanders in a letter from their disciplinary committee, with copies sent to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), ZIFA, and the coaches’ representatives.
On 29 January, Americo Espallargas, FIFA’s head of disciplinary, urged ZIFA to enforce the ban, as Highlanders had still not made the required payments to Brito. Espallargas wrote to Highlanders:“We refer to the above-mentioned matter, as well as the decision passed by FIFA in the matter ref. no. FPSD-16612 (the Decision).In this context, it appears that despite the decision, Highlanders FC (the respondent) has not yet complied with its financial obligations towards Baltemar Jose de Oliveira Brito.
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 and for a maximum duration of up to three entire and consecutive registration periods.
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 cooperation.”
Before resorting to this drastic step through their disciplinary committee, FIFA had issued a warning to Highlanders last year regarding the payment of their coaches. However, the club failed to take timely action to avoid the penalty.On Saturday, Highlanders CEO Brian Moyo acknowledged the FIFA-imposed ban but said the club was making efforts to settle the debt before the domestic transfer window closes, ahead of the start of the 2025 Castle Lager Premiership season. Moyo stated:“Yes, it is true the club owes the foreign coaches.
Efforts are underway to remedy the situation as soon as possible in time to not lose out on the transfer window.We are working round the clock with our partners and in full consultation with the Reserve Bank in order to remain inside of funds transfer (regulations).”Meanwhile, another local Premiership club, Yadah FC, is also under a FIFA-imposed ban from registering players for three transfer windows. Yadah’s case also involves Brazilian nationals—Joao Pedro Marques Barcellos, Juan Luciano Faria, and Deivid Pereira de Brito.
Gayton McKenzie Calls for Deportation of Illegal Immigrants, Cites Economic and Social Concerns
Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie has renewed his call for the deportation of…
Gayton McKenzie Calls for Deportation of Illegal Immigrants, Cites Economic and Social Concerns
Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie has renewed his call for the deportation of illegal immigrants in South Africa, declaring, “Abahambe” (let them go).
