The PSL side are close to getting cleared from their three-window transfer ban
TS Galaxy will soon be free to register new players after the club initiated payment to former player Bernard Yao Kouassi who had them handed a transfer ban.
The Ivorian striker was awarded $98,000 (R1.8 million) for unfair dismissal by FIFA after a dispute with TS Galaxy and the club were slapped with a three-window ban from June 12 until the payment was completed.
Now, the Tim Sukazi-owned club has made the payment which will see them free to register the 10 new players they have signed.
Galaxy have brought in Jegbay Morris Konneh (Mighty Barrolle, Liberia), Victor Letsoalo (AmaZulu), Siphesihle Maduna (Cape Town Spurs), Thamsanqa Masiya (Sekhukhune United), Ntiyiso Mbombi (JDR Stars), Khulumani Ndamane (Kaizer Chiefs), Qobolwakhe Sibande (Stellenbosch), Emmanuel Sieh (Watanga, Liberia), Seth Osei (Hapoel Kfar Saba, Israel) and Ira Tape Eliezer but are unable to use them due to the ban.
Ramovic’s side expected to receive greenlight on Monday
Coach Sead Ramovic could not rely on his new recruits during the MTN8 quarter-final on Sunday, a match they lost 3-1 to Stellenbosch FC, although the tactician blamed their defeat on the poor conditions of the pitch and not the inability to use fresh faces.
He will not have such troubles in the PSL after the club initiated the payment to Kouassi last Friday, with the money reaching the player on Tuesday, as per SNL24.
The outlet reports that Galaxy expect to be cleared on Monday, 12 August when FIFA gives its next update on transfer bans.
Kouassi signed for Galaxy in January 2023 but did not turn out for the club after he was not registered and opted to seek legal redress at FIFA.
Kouassi had demanded two month’s salary but Galaxy objected
He had demanded payment of two months’ salary but when it was not forthcoming, he pushed his case at the global football governing body which he won and got awarded the huge sum.
Galaxy appealed the ruling but the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld the decision, leaving their hands tied.
With Galaxy set to be cleared, Royal AM remain the only South African club still under a transfer ban after Richards Bay and JDR Stars had their sanctions lifted.
