World football governing body FIFA has handed down a stern directive to Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Katsina United, ordering the club to pay N28 million to former head coach Tony Tope Bulus as compensation for wrongful contract termination.
The ruling comes following a protracted legal dispute initiated after the club abruptly cut ties with the tactician. Bulus, who was appointed on a two-year deal in August 2023, had his contract unceremoniously terminated midway through his tenure.
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With the case making its way through football arbitration channels, backed by advocacy groups like African Coaches Connect (ACC), FIFA has drawn a hard line regarding compliance.
Katsina United has been ordered to settle the multi-million Naira payout promptly or face heavy repercussions.
In an official correspondence relaying FIFA’s verdict to the club, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) warned that the global body has drawn a hard line regarding compliance:
Should the club fail to comply within the stipulated timeframe, FIFA has threatened a transfer ban preventing them from registering new players, alongside immediate league point deductions.
The letter dated October 2, 2026, and titled ‘Re-Forwarding the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee Regarding In Case FFD-28984,’ reads: “I am directed to refer to the above subject matter and the correspondence from FIFA Disciplinary Committee dated 21st September, 2026.
“It is my instruction to inform you that FIFA Disciplinary Committee has issued a decision in Ref. No. FDD-28984, on 21st September, 2026 in respect of the case involving Katsina United FC and Coach Toney Tope Bulus.
“The Court of Arbitration for Sport issued an Award on 30th June, 2026 in fovour of the Judgement Creditor, Tony Tope Bulus to the tune of Twenty Eight Million Naira (N28,000,000), as compensation for the wrongful termination of the Employment Contract dated 10th August, 2023. As a result of failure of Katsina United to pay the judgement sum, FIFA Disciplinary Committee has issued a decision to enforce same.
“You are hereby directed to pay the sum of Twenty Eight Million Naira (28,000,000) to Coach Tony Tope Bulus and file the proof of payment to FIFA within fifteen (15) days of the receipt of this letter. You are further directed to pay the sum of USD 5,000 to FIFA, as fine for failure to comply with the decision. Such payment shall be made into the account details provided by FIFA, and attached herein, within fifteen (15) days of the receipt of this letter. Failure to comply with this directive within the stipulated period, a ban on registering new players will be issued and enforced on Katsina United FC by FIFA, without further decision, until the complete amount due is paid.”
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Source: Complete Sports
