FIFA slaps Karela United with three-window transfer ban over unpaid debt

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has imposed a three-window transfer ban on Karela United FC after the Ghanaian club failed to settle outstanding financial obligations owed to Sana Camara.

Karela United FC has been hit with a major setback after FIFA imposed a ban preventing the club from registering new players both internationally and nationally for up to three consecutive transfer windows.

The decision was communicated in an official letter dated August 17, 2026, from FIFA’s Disciplinary Department and signed by Head of Disciplinary, Américo Espallargas. The letter referenced an earlier FIFA ruling in case number FPSD-23160 involving Karela United and Sana Camara.

According to FIFA, the Ghana Premier League side has not complied with its financial obligations despite a previous decision ordering the club to settle the outstanding amount owed to Camara. As a result, football’s world governing body has activated a registration ban against the club.

“In this context, it appears that, despite the Decision, Karela United FC has not yet complied with its financial obligations towards Sana Camara,” the FIFA letter stated.

FIFA further explained that the sanction will remain in force until the debt is fully paid. The governing body noted that the restriction covers both international and domestic player registrations and could last for a maximum of three entire and consecutive registration periods if the amount remains unpaid.

“A ban from registering new players internationally and nationally has been implemented by FIFA on the Respondent. The registration ban will remain active until the amount due is paid and for a maximum duration of up to three entire and consecutive registration periods,” it added.

The letter also directed the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to immediately enforce the sanction at the national level if it had not already done so. This means Karela United will be unable to strengthen their squad through new signings until the issue is resolved.

Neither Karela United nor the Ghana Football Association had publicly commented on the matter at the time of filing this report.