Nigeria: Katsina United relieved as FIFA lifts transfer ban

Nigeria Premier Football League club Katsina United can now resume player signings after FIFA officially lifted the transfer ban that was imposed on them last month, Soccernet.ng reports.

The ban was a consequence of the club’s failure to fulfill financial obligations to Nigerien player Muhammadu Sulley Salamoun, a situation that arose under the previous management.

In response to the ban, Katsina United quickly initiated talks with Salamoun to settle the issue. The club’s proactive efforts led to a resolution that met FIFA’s requirements, allowing the matter to be amicably resolved, according to TruthNG.

Following this, FIFA sent a letter to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirming the removal of the transfer ban.

The letter stated, “We (FIFA) take note from the mentioned correspondence that the creditor Muhammadu Sulley Salamoun has received the amount due by the respondent Katsina United FC, in accordance with the decision by FIFA.

“As a consequence, we inform you that the present proceedings against the respondent Katsina United are hereby closed and its ban to register any new players has been lifted.”

With the ban now lifted, Katsina United are free to participate in the transfer market.

This development comes at a critical moment as the club seeks to bolster their squad ahead of the new season, following the departures of key players Stephen Manyo and Michael Ibe at the end of last season.

Katsina United finished the 2023/24 NPFL season in 7th place, collecting 55 points from 38 matches.