FIFA Orders an NFPL Side to Pay ₦28m Debt or Face FIFA Transfer Ban

FIFA have ordered Katsina United to pay ₦28 million owed to former head coach Tony Tope Bulus within 15 days or face a ban on registering new players.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club has also been directed to pay a $5,000 fine to FIFA after failing to comply with an earlier decision on compensation owed to Bulus.

Under the latest directive, Katsina United must settle the ₦28 million debt and submit proof of payment to FIFA within 15 days of receiving the letter. The club must also pay the $5,000 fine within the same period.

FIFA warned that failure to meet the deadline could result in an immediate ban on registering new players. The sanction would remain in place until the outstanding amount is fully paid.

The case stems from Katsina United's decision to terminate Bulus' contract in 2023, with the club reportedly citing alleged unruly behaviour and poor team performances.

Bulus subsequently pursued the matter through the relevant legal channels, with the dispute eventually reaching the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) before FIFA issued its latest directive.

The ruling now leaves Katsina United with a 15-day deadline to resolve the financial dispute or risk a transfer ban that could prevent the club from registering new players.

Katsina United chairman Surajo Baba Malumfashi, when contacted about the development, said he was not aware of the letter at the time.

“I will make my comments only when I see the letter. For now, I have nothing to say.”