Tunisian club Etoile Sportive du Sahel has been handed a transfer ban by FIFA following their failure to pay Gor Mahia KSh5.1 million, the agreed transfer fee for defender Alphonce Omija.

The defender moved to Tunisian side last year and the club has not been paid the amount agreed for the transfer.

According to the world football governing body, Etoile is now prohibited from registering any new players both internationally and domestically.

“It appears that, despite the Decision, Etoile Sportive Du Sahel (the Respondent) has not yet complied with its financial obligations towards Gor Mahia FC.

“In this regard, we wish to inform the parties that a ban from registering new players internationally and nationally has been implemented by FIFA on the Respondent,” read part of the letter sent to both clubs by FIFA.

The ban will remain in force until the full amount owed to the Kenyan champions is paid. In addition, FIFA has set a maximum duration of up to three consecutive registration periods for the sanction.

The ruling is a major boost for Gor Mahia, who have persistently pursued the matter since Omija’s transfer. The ban effectively freezes Etoile’s ability to strengthen their squad until they settle their debt with the Kenyan giants.