AFC Leopards, one of Kenya’s most successful football clubs, is facing a FIFA ban for failing to pay their former coach Patrick Aussems.
The FIFA Football Tribunal has ordered Leopards to pay Aussems $25,000 in outstanding remuneration and $120,000 in compensation for breach of contract. The club has been given 45 days to make the payments in full, or they will face being banned from registering new players.
Aussems was fired by Leopards in January 2023, but the club failed to pay him the full amount of his contract. He then took the case to FIFA, which has ruled in his favor.
If Leopards fail to pay Aussems, they will be banned from registering new players for two consecutive transfer windows. This would be a major blow for the club, as they would be unable to strengthen their squad and could struggle to compete for trophies.
This is not the first time that Leopards have been in trouble with FIFA over unpaid wages. In 2021, the club was banned from signing new players for two transfer windows after failing to pay former players Soter Kayumba and Bienvenue Shaka.
Leopards are a popular club with a large fan base, but they have been struggling financially in recent years. The club has been unable to attract major sponsors, and they have been forced to sell their best players in order to raise money.
The current financial situation at Leopards is unclear, but it is clear that the club is in a difficult position. If they fail to pay Aussems, they will face a FIFA ban that could have a major impact on their future.
In addition to the ban on registering new players, Leopards could also face fines and other sanctions from FIFA. The club’s reputation will also be damaged, which could make it even more difficult to attract sponsors and players in the future.
