FIFA has ordered Nigeria Premier Football League club Katsina United to pay former coach Tony Tope Bulus N28 million over the alleged wrongful termination of his contract. The world football governing body also fined the club $5,000 for failing to comply with an earlier decision ordering it to pay the coach. This decision was conveyed to Katsina United by the Nigeria Football Federation in a letter dated October 2, 2026.
The letter stated that FIFA's Disciplinary Committee issued the decision on September 21, 2026, following the club's failure to pay the compensation awarded to Bulus. The Court of Arbitration for Sport had on June 30, 2026, ordered Katsina United to pay Bulus N28 million as compensation for the wrongful termination of his employment contract, which was signed on August 10, 2023.
The Nigeria Football Federation gave Katsina United 15 days to pay the N28 million to Bulus and submit proof of payment to FIFA. The club was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine to FIFA within the same period. Failure to comply within the stipulated period would lead to a ban on Katsina United from registering new players.
Furthermore, FIFA warned that if Katsina United continues to ignore the decision, the club could face further sanctions, including the deduction of points or relegation to a lower division. Bulus had taken legal action against Katsina United after the club sacked him in 2023 over allegations of unruly behaviour and poor team performance.
The matter eventually reached the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which ruled in favour of the former coach and ordered the club to pay him N28 million. FIFA later opened disciplinary proceedings against Katsina United after the club failed to settle the judgment debt.
Reacting to the development, Katsina United chairman, Surajo Baba Malumfashi, said he was not aware of the letter. He said he would comment on the matter after seeing the letter. The Nigeria Premier Football League has been working to improve its standings, with recent developments including the introduction of Friday night matches and early weekend kick-offs.
Katsina United's situation highlights the importance of clubs adhering to contractual agreements and FIFA regulations. The club's failure to comply with the Court of Arbitration for Sport's ruling and subsequent FIFA directives may lead to severe consequences, affecting not only the team's performance but also its future in the league.
Key points
- FIFA orders Katsina United to pay N28 million to former coach Tony Tope Bulus over wrongful contract termination
- Club faces points deduction, relegation if it fails to comply with FIFA's directives
- Katsina United has 15 days to pay the compensation and fine to avoid further sanctions
