The world football governing body, FIFA, has ordered Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) club, Katsina United, to pay coach Tony Tope Bulus N28 million as compensation for alleged wrongful termination of contract. This decision was made on September 21, 2026, by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee. The committee also imposed a fine of $5,000 on Katsina United for failing to comply with an earlier ruling.
According to a letter from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), dated October 2, 2026, Katsina United has been given 15 days to pay the compensation and fine. Failure to comply will result in a ban on registering new players and potential deductions in points or relegation to a lower league. The NFF letter, titled ‘Re-Forwarding the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee Regarding In Case FFD-28984,’ was sent to Katsina United, informing them of the FIFA decision.
Coach Tony Tope Bulus was sacked by Katsina United in 2023 due to alleged unruly behavior and poor team performance. He sought legal redress, and the case was taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). On June 30, 2026, CAS ordered Katsina United to pay N28 million in compensation to Bulus. FIFA opened disciplinary action against the club on September 18, 2026, for failing to settle the judgment debt.
The NFF letter to Katsina United stated that the club must pay the N28 million compensation to Coach Bulus and file proof of payment to FIFA within 15 days. Additionally, the club must pay a $5,000 fine to FIFA within the same period. The payment details were provided by FIFA and attached to the letter.
Failure to comply with the FIFA directive will lead to severe consequences for Katsina United. The club faces a ban on registering new players, and potential point deductions or relegation to a lower league. The NFF warned Katsina United that these sanctions may be enforced in addition to the registration ban if they fail to comply.
Katsina United Chairman, Surajo Baba Malumfashi, declined to comment on the letter, stating that he was not aware of it. He said he would only make comments when he sees the letter. The situation remains unresolved, with Katsina United facing a tight deadline to comply with FIFA's directive.
The case highlights the importance of adhering to contractual agreements and respecting the decisions of football governing bodies. Katsina United's failure to pay coach Bulus's compensation has led to significant financial penalties and potential sporting sanctions. The club must now decide how to proceed and avoid further consequences.
Key points
- FIFA orders Katsina United to pay coach Tony Tope Bulus N28 million as compensation for alleged wrongful termination of contract.
- Katsina United faces a ban on registering new players and potential point deductions or relegation if they fail to comply with FIFA's directive.
- The club has 15 days to pay the compensation and $5,000 fine to avoid severe consequences.
