FIFA has imposed a transfer ban on Bandari FC after the club failed to settle outstanding payments owed to former Moroccan head coach Mohamed Borji.
The global football governing body enforced the sanction on June 16, 2026, effectively prohibiting the Mombasa-based side from registering new players both locally and internationally.
The move deals a major blow to Bandari’s preparations for the upcoming FKF Premier League season, with the club now barred from strengthening its squad until the debt is cleared.
According to FIFA, Bandari FC owes Borji a total of $28,983.87, equivalent to approximately KSh3.78 million, following a ruling by the FIFA Football Tribunal.
The amount comprises $6,483.87 in unpaid remuneration and an additional $22,500 awarded as compensation for breach of contract.
FIFA has directed the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to immediately block the club from carrying out any domestic player registrations. The directive applies to both international and local signings, freezing all incoming transfers.
Under FIFA regulations, the transfer embargo could remain in force for up to three registration windows, amounting to an 18-month restriction, should the matter remain unresolved.
However, FIFA Head of Disciplinary Américo Espallargas indicated that the sanction would be lifted immediately once the club demonstrates that it has fully settled the debt.
That means Bandari can return to the market as soon as payment is confirmed to FIFA and the case is closed in the TMS system. Until then, the Dockers cannot register any new players.
The dispute stems from the premature termination of Borji’s contract in December 2025 after the Moroccan tactician had spent only two months at the helm.
During his brief tenure, Borji managed just one win in eight matches before parting ways with the club. The results prompted management to cut ties, but the separation terms were not honored.
Although both parties initially agreed on a structured payment plan, Bandari reportedly failed to honor the agreed installments, prompting the former coach to seek redress through FIFA.
The latest sanction places additional pressure on the Dockers as they seek to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season while also navigating the financial obligations required to have the ban lifted.
With pre-season looming, Bandari risks starting the campaign with gaps in key positions and no ability to replace outgoing players. The club also faces reputational damage, as FIFA sanctions are public and can affect negotiations with sponsors and players.
Bandari has not issued a public statement on how it plans to settle the KSh3.78 million debt. Sources within the club say management is engaging FKF to resolve the matter, but no payment timeline has been confirmed.
This is not the first time a Kenyan club has been hit with a FIFA ban over coach or player dues. Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, and Wazito have faced similar embargoes in recent years, often lifted only after last-minute settlements.
