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FIFA has lifted a transfer ban that it had imposed on Football Kenya Federation Premier League club Gor Mahia over unpaid dues for former goalkeeper Adama Keita.

In a letter signed by Julien Deux, who is the head of judicial bodies at FIFA, the world governing body confirmed that Gor Mahia will not serve the ban after settling the money case.

“We take note from the mentioned correspondence that the creditor has received the amounts due by the respondents, the club Gor Mahia FC, in accordance with the decision passed by FIFA.

“As a consequence, we inform you that the present proceedings are closed, and hence, the registration ban imposed has been lifted,” the letter said.

Case background

The Keita issue against Gor Mahia has dragged on since August 2021, when the Malian penned a two-year deal with the Kenyan giants.

The Malian filed a case against Gor Mahia in May 2022, where he told FIFA’s Disputes Resolution Chamber that Gor Mahia breached the terms of the contract.

The contract was terminated in July as Gor Mahia faced a number of financial problems at that time.

The goalkeeper went to FIFA again, seeking additional compensation, and in November, the Zurich-based body ruled in his favour. He was awarded Ksh4.3 million, which included a 5% interest rate.

Gor Mahia could not pay the money within 45 days; a ban was slapped on them. A payment plan was agreed upon in May 2023, and this settlement included a clause that if Gor Mahia failed to pay the balance by the specified date, a penalty of $15,272, equivalent to 50% of the principal amount, would be applied.

Facing financial challenges, Gor Mahia defaulted, and the goalkeeper reported back to FIFA with a demand seeking the remaining amount plus the penalty, totalling $29,816.

Early this year, K’Ogalo were directed by FIFA to pay Keita $2,618 in accrued interest and a contractual penalty of $15,272 within 45 days, and failure to do so will result in a transfer ban being imposed.

This month, the ban was effected but it has now been lifted.