Richards Bay has once again been banned from signing players, marking their second such penalty in a matter of months, despite the club’s financial backing from Phakwe Gas during the off-season.

The KwaZulu-Natal club has been prohibited from registering players both locally and internationally due to their failure to pay former defender Abdi Banda.

Banda was released at the end of last season, having not appeared in any of the club’s promotion/relegation playoff matches under coach Vusi Vilakazi.

The former Baroka FC defender made only eight appearances in all competitions, as the KwaZulu-Natal club finished second-from-bottom in the league.

Banda’s final appearance for Bay was particularly unfortunate. He received a red card in a 3-0 away defeat to his former club, Chippa United, in March of last season.

That incident, deemed reckless by management, significantly reduced his subsequent playing time.

This situation gave Richards Bay cause to terminate his contract, but the manner in which it was done appears to have been unlawful. The ban will be lifted once the club settles the outstanding payment.

“In this context, it appears that, despite the decision, Richards Bay [the Respondent] has not complied with its financial obligations towards Abdi Hassan Banda,” stated FIFA ruling. 

“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 and for a maximum duration of up to three entire and consecutive registration periods. 

“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.” 

This is the second instance of a PSL club being penalized for failing to pay Banda. Chippa United was previously banned after releasing Banda in 2023 while he was still under contract. Banda successfully pursued the matter through the FIFA Football Tribunal, as confirmed on the FIFA website. Chippa United, aware of the severe consequences imposed by FIFA, ultimately settled with the player.

This also marks the second time Richards Bay has been banned by FIFA for signing players following an “unlawful” release.

They were previously banned after terminating the contract of Kenyan player Ovella Ochieng, with Richards Bay chairman Sifiso Biyela accusing the player of dishonesty.

Ochieng, from Kenya, was signed from Township Rollers before the resumption of the 2022/23 season’s second half, which followed the FIFA World Cup break. According to Biyela, Richards Bay reached a mutual agreement with Ochieng for his departure at the end of the season, including a settlement.

However, Ochieng later approached FIFA, alleging that the club withheld owed funds. This resulted in FIFA suspending Richards Bay’s ability to sign new players. However, Biyela subsequently paid the required R230,000.

To lift the current ban, Richards Bay will need to settle Banda’s contract settlement.