English football club Watford is facing the repercussions of failing to meet its financial obligations to a Nigerian Academy Megamu FC, resulting in a transfer ban imposed by FIFA.
The ban was issued in response to Watford’s refusal to pay the agreed amount to Megamu FC for their role in the signing of former Super Eagles winger Samuel Kalu from Bordeaux.
Megamu FC, a youth club based in Aba, Nigeria, claimed that they were entitled to a certain percentage of the transfer fee when Kalu moved to Watford in July 2022. Despite their claims, Watford dismissed their request, leading to a legal dispute.
According to a letter signed by Julien Deux, head of FIFA judicial bodies (adjudicatory), Watford has yet to comply with its financial obligations towards Megamu Football Academy Club. The solidarity payment, which Megamu FC rightfully expected for their contribution to Kalu’s development, remains unpaid.
As a consequence of the club’s non-compliance, FIFA has imposed a ban on Watford, preventing them from registering new players internationally, effective from July 19, 2023. Additionally, the Football Association has been requested to enforce a ban on Watford from registering new players at the national level.
Although the situation has caused uncertainty for the club, sources suggest that it is an administrative matter that is close to being resolved.