FIFA Lifts Ban on Nkana

World football governing body FIFA has lifted the player-transfer ban on Kitwe-based club Nkana FC. 

The club was banned from carrying out international transfers after terminating Ghanaian goalkeeper Stephen Adams’ contract without adequate compensation in June 2018.

FIFA’s Dispute Resolution chamber ordered Nkana to pay Adams for the breach of contract in May 2019. FIFA have now confirmed that Nkana and Adams have settled the dispute. 

“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," FIFA wrote in a letter to Nkana. 

Responding to the news, Nkana’s president Joseph Silwamba thanked the Football Association of Zambia for their support during the transfer ban and pledged to respect the rules in future. 

“As a club, we are grateful to 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,” he said. 

The ban being lifted means that Nkana can now sign new players to their squad before the new season starts next month. It will also serve the club well as they represent Zambia at the CAF Champions League starting in November.