Tim Sukazi shares update on TS Galaxy FIFA ban

The Rockets were slapped with a three-window registration sanction by world football governing body FIFA for breaching a contract agreement with Ivorian striker Bernard Yao Kouassi.

According to records, the player had been signed by Galaxy in January last year, but left the club without ever making an appearance. 

Yao Kouassi then took The Rockets to FIFA, who reacted by handing them a transfer ban that would only be overturned if Sukazi settled a R1.8-million debt. 

“I am not sure what we were dealing with here. There are players who seem to make a career out of being able to get away with this sort of behaviour and then take clubs to FIFA expecting the outcome to go in their favour,” the chairman told SABC Sport in June. 

Sukazi had also claimed Galaxy spent R40 000 in a desperate attempt to secure a work permit for Yao Kouassi, however were never able to get a clearance from his former club in India prior to the January registration deadline. 

But the ban is now behind them, Sukazi confirmed to the public broadcaster. 

“The FIFA transfer ban is now a thing of the past with us. It was an unfortunate and costly situation with no fault of our own. We cannot change what went down as we just have to move on with our business,” the chairman explained. 

With that latest update, Galaxy will now be able to field their eight new signings ahead of the 2024/25 season in Qobolwakhe Sibande, Victor Letsoalo, Thamsanqa Masiya, Siphesihle Maduna, Khulumani Ndamane, Ntiyiso Bombi, Jegbay Morris, and Emanuel Seih.

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