Exclusive: Kruger Facing FIFA Transfer Ban Over Unpaid Player Scandal
Kruger United’s off-field problems appear to be deepening after a group of unpaid players approached the world footballers’ union, FIFPRO, which has acknowledged receipt of their complaint.
Sportswire has seen an email sent by several players released by Kruger United to FIFPRO, in which they expressed their frustration over allegedly going unpaid for months.
Kruger secured promotion to the Betway Premiership in May, but the club’s celebrations have been overshadowed by salary disputes. While some players have reportedly received their salaries over the past two months, others claim they have not been paid.
According to information received by Sportswire, the club has paid players who will remain with the team next season, while those who have been released are still awaiting their salaries.
Among those allegedly affected are Khethukuthula Ndlovu, analyst Tshepo Mahao, Kabelo Seriba, Mlungisi Sikhakhane, Kagiso Malinga, Lindo Mtshali, and Phila Manqele. Their last salaries were in April, which were paid in May.
Since then, they allege that the club has failed to pay their May salaries, while June’s payments also appear unlikely, leaving many increasingly anxious.
Some players told Sportswire they are struggling to afford basic necessities, despite having helped the club win the Motsepe Foundation Championship and secure promotion.
To compound matters, Sportswire has also seen a verified screenshot from the club’s official WhatsApp group showing administrator Gift Makhabane removing several individuals without explanation, an incident previously reported by this publication.
The players have also appealed to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to intervene. Under PSL regulations, the league has the authority, where applicable, to deduct outstanding amounts from a club’s monthly grant to settle player-related obligations.
With each passing day and no salary notifications appearing in their bank accounts, the players escalated the matter to FIFPRO, the international organisation representing professional footballers and advocating for their rights, welfare and working conditions worldwide.
FIFPRO responded:
“Thank you for your email and for bringing this matter to our attention. My name is Angham Grami, and I have recently joined FIFPRO as Legal Counsel.
“I acknowledge receipt of your concerns and appreciate you taking the time to share the details of the situation. We understand the seriousness of the issues raised, as well as the impact this may have on all the affected players.
“We will review the information shared and, accordingly, update you on the next steps next week.”
The players also told Sportswire they have little confidence in the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU), claiming they do not believe the organisation has sufficient influence to resolve matters of this nature.
Should the dispute remain unresolved and ultimately result in adverse findings through the appropriate football dispute resolution processes, Kruger United could face sanctions, including a transfer ban that would prevent the club from registering new local and international players ahead of its first Betway Premiership season.
If the matter proceeds through FIFA’s dispute resolution mechanisms and the club is found liable for outstanding payments, it would typically be granted a 45-day period to settle the debt. Failure to do so could result in a transfer ban, which is commonly imposed for up to three consecutive transfer windows.
When contacted by Sportswire for comment on the players’ outstanding salaries, Kruger United manager Elasto Kapowedza said:
“At the moment, we can’t even respond in terms of where we stand regarding salaries. On that matter, we will not comment on salaries and so forth.”
