FIFA has imposed a three-window transfer ban on South African Premier Soccer League side Golden Arrows, placing the club among several African teams sanctioned over financial and contractual disputes. The world governing body ruled that the club failed to comply with previous decisions relating to outstanding payments, triggering an automatic restriction on registering new players.
Golden Arrows’ punishment took effect on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, and will remain in place until all financial obligations connected to the case have been fully settled. While the specific details behind the sanctions have not yet been disclosed, the matter reportedly involves unpaid wages and severance payments extending back several seasons. FIFA emphasized that such bans aim to preserve contractual integrity and ensure that players’ rights are upheld, particularly in disputes where clubs are found to have breached binding agreements.
The timing of the ban is a significant setback for head coach Manqoba Mngqithi, who has been restructuring the squad with ambitions of pushing for higher finishes in the league and mounting stronger challenges in domestic cup competitions. With the embargo covering three consecutive transfer windows, Arrows will be unable to bring in reinforcements regardless of future performance or squad needs.
Golden Arrows is not the only South African club currently facing FIFA sanctions. TS Galaxy, previously the only top-flight side on the list, has received another transfer ban related to a dispute involving Liberian footballer Jegbay Morris Konneh. Although the player won his case before FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, Galaxy requested the official grounds for the ruling and subsequently filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Until the matter is resolved, the club remains restricted from registering new players.
Other South African sides, including Pretoria Callies and another listed as Unolia, are also under various forms of FIFA sanctions. This growing list highlights ongoing issues surrounding contractual compliance in South African football, where several clubs have repeatedly faced penalties for failing to honor agreements with players and staff.
Beyond South Africa, Libyan outfit Al Anwar and Namibia’s African Stars FC are among the additional African teams handed restrictions. FIFA’s stance serves as a reminder that financial discipline and respect for contractual obligations remain a non-negotiable requirement for all member clubs worldwide.
