Another South African football club has been hit with a FIFA transfer ban.

Sportswire has confirmed that Pretoria Callies, a Motsepe Foundation Championship side, has been prohibited from registering new players.

The ban was imposed by FIFA on 27 November 2024, due to the club’s failure to settle a debt owed to Ivorian forward Zeyatane Dramane Kouma. Kouma, who joined Callies last season, made only two appearances for the club. Those matches were against JDR Stars and Casric Stars respectively.

“In this context, it appears that, despite the decision, the Pretoria Callies (the Respondent) has not yet complied with its financial obligations towards the Zeyatane Dramane Kouma,” the letter read.

“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.” 

FIFA’s letter to the South African Football Association (SAFA) stated that the ban would remain in effect until the outstanding amount is paid. SAFA has been instructed to enforce the ban domestically. “Lastly, the South African Football Association is requested to immediately implement on the Respondent a ban from registering new players at national level, if not done yet,” the letter added. 

“We thank you for your kind attention to the above and your valuable cooperation.” 

Callies joins Royal AM, who have been under a FIFA transfer ban for the past three transfer windows due to unpaid fees owed to Samir Nurkovic. There are concerns that Royal AM could face further consequences, including potential relegation or point deductions, if they continue to defy FIFA’s orders, just like AmaZulu in 2018.

Marumo Gallants is another South African club that has been subjected to a FIFA transfer ban. Kaizer Chiefs also faced a similar ban in the past for failing to settle a debt owed to Madagascan international Dax.