TS Galaxy Faces Huge Financial Hurdles Amid Multiple FIFA Registration Bans
TS Galaxy’s ambitions for the upcoming Betway Premiership season are clouded by a series of FIFA-imposed registration bans that have effectively blocked the club from making any new signings. The side, which ended last season in fifth place, now faces a tough challenge as it enters the 2024/25 campaign with a depleted squad and significant financial liabilities.
Club CEO Tim Sukazi confirmed that key players Keagan Dolly, Dzenan Zajmovic, and Lebone Seema have all departed ahead of the new season. Dolly’s contract expired at the end of June, while Seema requested his release and has since joined Orlando Pirates. Zajmovic, after a productive spell netting 11 goals last season, also announced his exit.
However, TS Galaxy’s transfer woes run deeper than just player exits. The club is currently grappling with four separate FIFA registration bans, each triggered by unresolved contractual disputes with former players. These sanctions prevent the club from registering new players until the cases are settled and related financial obligations are met.
The bans were imposed on the following dates:
- December 9, 2023 – valid for three transfer windows
- December 19, 2023 – valid for three transfer windows
- April 29, 2024 – indefinite ban until conditions are fulfilled
- May 7, 2024 – valid for three transfer windows
The cumulative effect of these sanctions means TS Galaxy cannot add any new players transferred from other clubs, placing them at a distinct disadvantage as the season approaches. The current transfer window, which opened on July 1, closes on September 22—yet the club remains sidelined in the market.
One high-profile case involves former player Jegbay Morris Konneh, who successfully claimed USD 118,800 (approximately R2.1 million) in compensation through FIFA’s Dispute Chamber. The club has requested detailed grounds for the ruling, which overrides the standard 45-day payment notification. Failure to honour this payment risks triggering yet another registration ban.
Resolving these disputes will require TS Galaxy to pay millions of Rands in outstanding debts to former players. Only once all these financial obligations are cleared will FIFA lift the transfer restrictions and allow the club to conduct normal business in the player market.
This situation places TS Galaxy in a unique and challenging position within the Betway Premiership, as they are currently the only top-flight club unable to register new signings. With the MTN8 cup competition starting on August 1, the club’s ability to strengthen its squad is critical if it hopes to improve on last season’s performance.
For now, TS Galaxy must focus on navigating these legal and financial hurdles while preparing a squad that can compete despite limited reinforcements—a daunting task that could define their season ahead.
