FIFA slams Chippa with transfer ban over Luc Eymael debt

Chippa United have been hit with a devastating FIFA transfer ban after failing to settle outstanding financial obligations owed to former head coach Luc Eymael.

In a formal correspondence dated 8 April 2026, world football’s governing body confirmed that the Chilli Boys are strictly prohibited from registering any new players, both nationally and internationally. The sanction stems from the club’s failure to honour a previous FIFA ruling regarding a debt owed to the Belgian tactician.

In February this year, Chippa United were ordered to pay Eymael a sum of R250,000 plus 5% interest. FIFA issued a 45-day ultimatum to settle the account, warning that failure to comply would result in a mandatory transfer ban. With the deadline passed and the funds still outstanding, the trigger has been pulled.

Eymael was appointed by Chippa in August 2025 to succeed Sinethemba Badela, but his tenure lasted only two months before he was sacked in October 2025.

“In this context, it appears that, despite the decision, Chippa United FC has not yet complied with its financial obligations towards Luc Nico Eymael,” the FIFA statement read. “In this regard, we wish to inform the parties that a ban from registering new players internationally and nationally has been implemented by FIFA.”

CHIPPA UNITED REAP THE WHIRLWIND OVER EYMAEL FALLOUT

According to FIFA’s head of disciplinary, the ban is effective immediately and will remain in place until the Chilli Boys settle the debt in full. If the club continues to ignore the directive, they face the grim prospect of being barred from the transfer market for up to two years.

“The registration ban will remain active until the amount due is paid and for a maximum duration of up to three entire and consecutive registration periods,” the letter continued.

Furthermore, FIFA has instructed the South African Football Association (SAFA) to ensure the ban is strictly enforced at a local level, preventing the club from registering any domestic talent until the “clearance” is granted.

This latest development adds to a turbulent period for chairman Siviwe ‘Chippa’ Mpengesi, who recently had to clarify reports regarding a multi-million rand issue with SARS. For now, the technical team’s plans for the upcoming window remain frozen in their tracks.