FIFA Slaps Ngezi Platinum Stars With Transfer Ban Over Unpaid Compensation

FIFA has imposed a transfer ban on Ngezi Platinum Stars over unpaid compensation to former coach Bongani Mafu (image source)

HARARE — FIFA has imposed a transfer ban on Ngezi Platinum Stars, barring the club from registering new players until it settles nearly US$200,000 owed to former head coach Bongani Mafu. The sanction, confirmed in a letter dated December 17 by FIFA’s Head of Disciplinary, Americo Espallargas, will remain in force for up to three consecutive registration periods unless the outstanding amount is paid in full.

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has been instructed to enforce the ruling at domestic level, effectively preventing Ngezi from signing players when the January transfer window opens.

The ban follows a FIFA ruling issued in August 2024, which found that Ngezi breached Mafu’s contract without just cause. The club was ordered to pay US$196,750 in compensation, plus five percent annual interest accruing from 2022. That decision was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in November 2025, with the 45-day compliance window expiring earlier this month.

The Mafu case compounds Ngezi’s growing financial troubles. In a separate matter, former coach Benjani Mwaruwari was awarded about US$570,000 by FIFA for unfair dismissal, together with interest dating back to 2022. While Ngezi has appealed that ruling to CAS, the club’s total potential liabilities now approach US$800,000 before interest.

Both Mafu and Mwaruwari were dismissed in July 2022 after spending just three months in charge, a pattern analysts say raises serious questions about governance and contract management at the club. The financial strain comes at a critical time, with Ngezi having already lost head coach Takesure Chiragwi and seven players to rivals CAPS United.

With the transfer ban in effect, Ngezi faces a challenging season ahead and an increased risk of relegation if reinforcements cannot be secured. Observers say the case reflects deeper structural problems within Zimbabwean football, where poor contract administration and financial mismanagement have increasingly resulted in FIFA sanctions and international legal disputes.