FIFA Imposes Transfer Ban on African Stars and Julinho Sporting FC Over Unsettled Player Compensation
By TUW
FIFA has imposed a three-window transfer ban on African Stars and Julinho Sporting FC after the two Namibian clubs allegedly failed to compensate their former players as instructed. The sanctions, which took effect on 13 November 2025, prevent both teams from registering new players locally or internationally until the matter is resolved.
The ban follows disputes filed by former players who claimed that the clubs failed to honour outstanding payments ordered through FIFA’s dispute resolution mechanisms. The global football body confirmed the disciplinary action after the clubs allegedly missed deadlines for settlement.
Julinho Sporting FC, whose name appeared on the FIFA list of sanctioned teams, has publicly responded to the allegations circulating on social media since 13 November. In their statement, the club insisted that it complied fully with FIFA’s directives. They also dismissed claims that they submitted fake proof of payment, accusations reportedly raised after the player’s legal representatives informed FIFA that the money had not reflected in the player’s bank account.
Julinho Sporting FC maintains that all required payments were made correctly and argued that the misunderstanding stems from circumstances beyond their control. Despite their defence, the club remains visibly listed under sanctioned teams on the official FIFA portal as of today.
African Stars have not yet issued a detailed public response regarding the ruling, but the ban remains active for both clubs until the outstanding compensation cases are finalised to FIFA’s satisfaction.
The sanctions are expected to affect the clubs’ squad-building plans for upcoming competitions, placing pressure on management to resolve the disputes swiftly to avoid long-term sporting setbacks.
