Yadah Stars, a prominent team in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) owned by Walter Magaya, faces significant penalties from FIFA. The team has been fined $82,000 for violating the contracts of Brazilian players they had signed.

If Yadah Stars fails to pay this fine by July 27, they risk a ban for three consecutive transfer windows. This ban would prevent the club from registering any new players, both domestically and internationally.

The fines stem from Yadah’s breach of contract with three Brazilian players: Joao Pedro Marques Barcellos, Juan Luciano Faria, and Deivid Pereira de Brito. These players were introduced by the club on July 14, 2023. However, the players lodged a complaint with FIFA on May 10, expressing dissatisfaction with how they were treated by Yadah Stars.

FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) investigated the matter and determined on June 12 that Yadah Stars had terminated the players’ contracts “without just cause,” shortly after signing them.

As a result, Yadah Stars is required to compensate each player with $19,580 plus 5% annual interest from April 4, 2024, amounting to a total of $58,740 in compensation for the trio. Additionally, the club must pay each player $1,220 per month for the period from November 1, 2023, to April 1, 2024, to cover the months during which contractual obligations were not met.

FIFA has notified the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) and the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ) about these sanctions imposed on Yadah Stars. Despite inquiries, Yadah Stars chairperson Everson Chatambudza declined to comment on the club’s intentions regarding compliance with the FIFA ruling, as reported by The Sunday Mail.

In other news – Police crackdown on illegal miners in Mazowe

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a strong warning to illegal miners operating in Mazowe Mine Lease 35, directing them to vacate the premises by July 13. This directive follows an official eviction notice issued by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development.

ZRP Commissioner Paul Nyathi stated, “The Government, through the Ministry Of Mines And Mining Development, has recently issued an eviction notice and order for all illegal occupants engaged in mining activities, land destruction, and criminal acts to leave Mazowe Mine Lease 35.” Read More