AFC Leopards, a renowned football club in Kenya, has been granted permission to sign new players as FIFA lifts the transfer ban imposed on them. The ban was imposed in May after the club failed to pay Ksh20 million ($183,000) in salary arrears owed to their former coach, Patrick Aussems. Aussems, who spent three years with the club, officially announced his departure on July 10 for personal reasons. However, the club has now reached an agreement with the Belgian coach and has already started making installment payments towards the outstanding amount.
In a statement released by the club, they expressed their satisfaction with the resolution of the contract dispute with Aussems. As a result, FIFA has lifted the player registration ban previously imposed on the club. With the ban now lifted, AFC Leopards can focus on the upcoming season with renewed determination.
A letter from FIFA’s Head of Judicial bodies, Julien Deux, dated August 14, confirmed the closure of the case against AFC Leopards. The letter stated that since the parties had settled their disputes, including the payment plan with Aussems, the registration ban has been lifted. However, in the event that Leopards fail to fulfill their agreement, Aussems will have the right to reopen the case.
AFC Leopards were represented in the case by prominent lawyer Charles Njenga, who played an instrumental role in bringing about the resolution. The club can now proceed with player signings and registrations to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.
Among the new additions to the team are Boniface Munyendo, Randy Bakari, Vicent Mahiga, Hassan Beja, and Yasin Sije who were all signed from Nzoia Sugar. Additionally, former Wazito midfielder Kevin Kimani, his Kenya Police counterpart Clifton Miheso, and Mathare United defender Gideon Were have also joined AFC Leopards.
This development brings a sigh of relief to AFC Leopards, allowing them to move forward and focus on their preparations for the upcoming season. With the transfer ban lifted, the club has the opportunity to strengthen their squad and compete at the highest level. Fans will eagerly await the new signings and their impact on the team’s performance.
