Exclusive: EPLSC investigating 216 transfers, bans Sidama Coffee from General Assembly

The Ethiopian Premier League Share Company (EPLSC) has confirmed that it is actively investigating all transfers made during the summer of 2024. The EPLSC also stated that Sidama Coffee officials have been banned from attending next week’s general assembly.

EPLSC’s communications office told Pan-Africa Football that over 216 transfers are under investigation for potential breaches of transfer regulations. The task force set up by the league is examining whether any third-party payments were made during these transfers. If violations are found, the clubs and players involved will be penalized.

Four clubs and sixteen players were penalized by the league a few months ago for failing to comply with transfer regulations and making illicit third-party payments. The situation escalated when Sidama Coffee were stripped of their Ethiopian Cup title. The club has since taken the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Sidama Coffee officials have been vocal in their opposition to both the Ethiopian Football Federation and the EPLSC regarding the Cup dispute.

The league has now confirmed to Pan-Africa Football that Sidama Coffee officials are banned from participating in next week’s general assembly on the grounds that they violated the top-flight rules. Sidama Coffee is one of the 20 clubs with a seat in the general assembly.

The upcoming assembly is expected to address new regulations and discuss the format of the league for the 2025/26 season. New financial regulations may also be introduced during the meeting.