By Victor Kanayo
World Football governing body, FIFA, has hit English Championship side, Watford FC, with an international transfer ban.
The suspension according to FIFA was due to their failure to pay solidarity compensation entitlements to former Nigerian international, Samuel Kalu’s former training club.
FIFA Sledge Hammer
A letter by FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s Head of Judicial Bodies (Adjudicatory), Julien Deux, sent to Watford FC and copied to the English FA reads, “We refer to the above-mentioned matter as well as to the Decision passed by FIFA (the Decision),”
“In this context, it appears that, despite the Decision, the respondent, Watford FC (the Respondent) has still not complied with its financial obligations towards Megamu Football Academy Club (the Claimant).
“In this regard, we wish to inform the parties that a ban from registering new players internationally has been implemented by FIFA as of 19 July 2023.
“Moreover, and in accordance with the aforementioned decision, the Football Association (in copy) is requested to immediately implement on the respondent the Club Watford FC, if not done yet, a ban from registering new players at national level.
“We thank you for taking note of the above and for your valuable cooperation in this matter.”
How Watford Incured Suspension Wrath
Upon Samuel Kalu’s transfer to Watford from French side Bordeaux in January 2022, Megamu Football Academy Club approached the London club for their solidarity compensation entitlements.
When they were not forthcoming, the Aba-based club took their case to FIFA and the world football ruling body ordered Watford to pay the Nigerian club within 45 days.
After Watford failed to pay within the stipulated period, the Nigerian club, through their attorneys, Activity Chambers, requested for an implementation of a transfer ban on the Championship side and FIFA has duly obliged.
