Breaking: Marumo Gallants latest PSL club hit with FIFA ban

The public broadcaster has seen a letter from the world governing body addressed to the club informing them that a transfer embargo will be implemented immediately for their failure to pay striker Mwape Musonda.

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While Musonda has never officially been on Gallants’ books, he did play for Moroka Swallows before the Dube Birds sold their status to Abram Sello ahead of the start of the 2024/24 season.

According to information gathered by SABC Sport, it’s believed Musonda, whose contract with Swallows was terminated prematurely last year, had a payment arrangement with the Soweto outfit. 

The nature of the transaction between Gallants and Swallows was clear that the new owners would take over the club as a going concern – meaning Bahlabane Ba Ntwa inherit all of Swallows’ agreements, including those with any third party.

It’s understood Musonda, after spending two years with the Dube Birds, was still owed around R3-million prior to his contract being terminated.

Swallows were making timeous monthly payments that Gallants were expected to settle on the previous owner’s behalf and honour the initial agreement.

The document from FIFA points out that they have defaulted.

“In this context, it appears that, despite the decision [order to pay], Marumo Gallants FC has not yet complied with its financial obligations towards the Mwape Musonda,” read the letter.

“In this regard, we wish to inform the parties that a ban from registering new players internationally has been implemented by FIFA on the respondent. The registration ban will remain active until the amount due is paid.”

Gallants now join other PSL rivals who have previously been hit with a similar sanction in Kaizer Chiefs, Polokwane City, Richards Bay, Chippa United, TS Galaxy and Royal AM, who are now also in danger of being docked points and relegated from the topflight.