A single match costs the club's treasury $48,000.. The specter of a FIFA ban threatens South Africa's Marumo Gallants before the January window

South African Premier League club Marumo Gallants face a potential FIFA transfer ban after being ordered to pay $48,000 plus interest to Ivorian winger Karidioula Tresor Mofosse who made just one competitive appearance during his time at the club.

The 2025 /26 signing featured only once, against Golden Arrows in the Carling Knockout Cup before a contractual dispute developed into a case before FIFA's Dispute Resolution Chamber.

According to FARPost which obtained the FIFA documents, the chamber ruled partially in Mofosse's favour on 29 October 2026, with the decision communicated to both parties on 6 November.

The extraordinary detail is that a player with just one appearance could now prevent Gallants from strengthening their squad in the transfer market.

Read Also: Nicolas Jackson.. Opportunity for an African record in the Premier League

Where does the $48,000 come from?

FIFA's ruling separates the payment into two amounts:

• $10,000 in outstanding remuneration, carrying annual interest of 5% from 2 December 2025.
• $38,000 in compensation for breach of contract, also carrying 5% annual interest, calculated from 12 December 2025.

The combined award is approximately 800,000 South African rand before additional interest.

Crucially, the $48,000 is not a payment for Mofosse's single appearance. It represents unpaid contractual obligations and compensation awarded following the dispute.

The chamber rejected the player's remaining claims.

However, the notification reviewed by FARPost did not include detailed reasoning explaining how the contractual relationship ended.

Could Gallants miss the January transfer window?

Under Article 24 of FIFA's Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, Gallants have a 45 day period to settle the full amount including applicable interest.

Failure to comply could lead to a prohibition on registering new players domestically and internationally, potentially lasting up to three consecutive registration periods.

The timing is particularly significant because South Africa's next transfer window opens on 4 January 2027.

If the dispute remains unresolved and a registration ban is enforced, Gallants could find themselves unable to reinforce their squad when the market reopens.

The deadline can, however, be suspended by a valid request for the decision's grounds or an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

A ban is therefore not automatic simply because the original payment period expires, FIFA's enforcement requirements must also be satisfied.

As Foot Africa recently reported, several African clubs are already dealing with FIFA registration restrictions arising from separate cases.

Gallants have not been confirmed as subject to an active ban in this dispute, but the financial ruling places their upcoming recruitment plans at risk.

The club now faces a decision extending beyond the $48,000 award, settle the obligation, pursue the available legal procedures or risk losing the ability to register new players.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

Related teams and leagues

Marumo Gallants

South African Betway Premiership