Tunisian giants Esperance have been ordered to pay Sekhukhune United R7.9 million over the transfer of Elias Mokwana.
The Bafana Bafana forward left Babina Noko for the Tunisian giants in the off-season but it has emerged that up to now, they have not received the agreed transfer fee.
Mokwana joined Esperance for $400,000 (R7.5 million) but the PSL club have not been paid yet and this forced them to report the matter to world football governing body FIFA, who have now acted.
FIFA has ordered Esperance to pay a total of R7.9 million, being the $400,000 (R7.5 million) transfer fee plus five per cent annual penalty interest, accrued since August 2, 2024.
Esperance have 45 days to pay Sekhukhune
Failure to do so within 45 days, the four-time CAF Champions League winners will face a three-window transfer ban both domestically and internationally.
“Pursuant to art. 24 of the Regulations, if full payment [including all applicable interest] is not made within 45 days of notification of this decision, the following consequences shall apply: 1. The Respondent shall be banned from registering any new players, either nationally or internationally, up until the due amount is paid. The maximum duration of the ban shall be of up to three entire and consecutive registration periods,” reads part of a notification from FIFA sent to Esperance on December 16.
“2. The present matter shall be submitted, upon request, to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee in the event that full payment (including all applicable interest) is still not made by the end of the three entire and consecutive registration periods.”
Does Mokwana have a future at the club?
Mokwana signed a three-year contract when he joined the club but his stay has been shrouded in controversy with the player’s representatives recently saying that he was considering his options after it emerged that he was not getting paid as per their agreement with the North African side.
He has, however, continued doing his business on the pitch and was on target when Esperance thrashed EGS Gafsa 3-0 in a league match on Wednesday.
That was Mokwana’s fourth goal in 13 matches across all competitions, having also provided two assists.
