International Federation of Association Football, (FIFA) has lifted a transfer ban imposed on Zambian giants Nkana FC following a dispute with Ghanaian goalkeeper Stephen Adams.
The newly crowned Super League champions were banned for three transfer windows for failure to pay Adams, who reported the club to FIFA for unlawfully terminating his contract in June 2018, just six months into the deal.
FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber ordered Nkana FC to pay the Ghana international his entitlements for breach of contract in May last year.
As per FIFA’s ruling, Nkana FC was ordered to pay USD 27,000 plus a 5% interest per annum as of August 2018 until the date of effective payment within 45 days.
In a letter to Nkana FC dated 23 September 2020, FIFA Head of Players’ Status, Erika Montemor Ferreira acknowledged receipt of the communication of the legal representative of the player confirming that the parties involved in the matter have settled the matter.
"In this respect, we acknowledge receipt of the communication of the legal representative of the player, by means of which he confirmed that the parties settled the matter. Consequently, we will now proceed to the closure of the present matter. Furthermore, we kindly inform your club that the ban imposed on it in line with the aforementioned decision is now lifted," read the letter in part.
In a statement, Nkana Football Club President Joseph Silwamba has pledged to uphold good governance at the Club and thanked among others the Football Association (FAZ) led by President Andrew Kamanga for the support during the transfer ban matter.
"As a Club, we are grateful to all everyone who was involved in ensuring that this matter is put to rest and we move forward as Nkana FC. We are very grateful to Stephen Adams and his lawyers, Ghanaian Football Federation, FAZ and FIFA for their favourable consideration of our appeal. We shall uphold governance going forward and respect FIFA statutes," Silwamba said.