By Fridah Mbuvi, June 17, 2026
FIFA has imposed a transfer ban on Bandari FC after the club failed to settle outstanding payments owed to former Moroccan head coach Mohamed Borji.
The global football governing body enforced the sanction on June 16, 2026, effectively prohibiting the Mombasa-based side from registering new players both locally and internationally.
According to FIFA, Bandari FC owes Borji a total of $28,983.87, equivalent to approximately Sh3.78 million, following a ruling by the FIFA Football Tribunal.
The amount comprises $6,483.87 in unpaid remuneration and an additional $22,500 awarded as compensation for breach of contract.
FIFA has directed the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to immediately block the club from carrying out any domestic player registrations, dealing a major blow to Bandari’s preparations for the upcoming FKF Premier League season.
Under FIFA regulations, the transfer embargo could remain in force for up to three registration windows, amounting to an 18-month restriction, should the matter remain unresolved.
However, FIFA Head of Disciplinary Américo Espallargas indicated that the sanction would be lifted immediately once the club demonstrates that it has fully settled the debt.
The dispute stems from the premature termination of Borji’s contract in December 2025 after the Moroccan tactician had spent only two months at the helm.
During his brief tenure, Borji managed just one win in eight matches before parting ways with the club.
Although both parties initially agreed on a structured payment plan, Bandari reportedly failed to honor the agreed installments, prompting the former coach to seek redress through FIFA.
The latest sanction places additional pressure on the dockers as they seek to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season while also navigating the financial obligations required to have the ban lifted.
