TRAU FC handed multi-window transfer ban by FIFA

The Imphal outfit finished third in the recently concluded I-League 2020-21 season.

I-League side Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU) FC have been handed a multi-window transfer ban by FIFA, Khel Now understands. The international governing body on the sport took the decision after they found the club guilty of not paying wages to their former player Abednego Tetteh.

What's the story

"FIFA have slapped a multi-window transfer ban on TRAU FC. They arrived at the decision after finding out that the club have not complied with their financial obligations - paying Abednego Tetteh his pending wages," a source close to the developments informed Khel Now. We also understand that FIFA have requested the All Indian Football Federation (AIFF) to implement the ban on TRAU from the upcoming summer transfer window. The embargo will render the outfit unable to register new players.

Furthermore, FIFA have also ordered TRAU FC to pay a some of the money as compensation to Tetteh. This fine amount is basically the sum total of the wages that are due in addition to a small interest. The transfer ban on the club will be lifted once the fine is fully paid to the player.

About the player

Hailing from Ghana, Abednego Tetteh represented multiple clubs in Africa including Bechem United, Al-Hilal Omdurman, Jimma Aba Buna and Al-Hilal Obeid, before setting foot on Indian soil for the first time in 2018. It was Real Kashmir who signed him during the 2018-19 season and he ended up scoring four goals for them in 12 matches. In September 2019, he shifted base to TRAU for whom he made five appearances in I-League 2019-20.

Tetteh left the Northeast side in January 2020. The 30-year-old later joined Hearts of Oak back in his home country ahead of the 2020-21 season. He has played four games for them in the Ghana Premier League so far.

TRAU FC updates

TRAU, meanwhile, banished the demons of their mediocre showing in I-League 2019-20 with a much-improved display last season. They were locked in a three-way title race with Gokulam Kerala and Churchill Brothers till the final matchday, before a humbling 4-1 defeat to the Malabarians caused them to miss out on the trophy by a whisker.

The news of this latest transfer embargo will now cast a dent on their hopes of doing better in the 2021-22 season, unless they act quickly and pay Tetteh his pending wages to have it lifted.

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