FIFA has lifted the transfer ban imposed on Nkana FC, with the 13-time Zambian champions now cleared to register new players ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The ban, which was imposed in 2024 due to a dispute involving Nigerian defender Kelvin Emmanuel Ugah, had prevented the Kitwe giants from registering new players after FIFA ruled against the club over unpaid contractual obligations.
Ugah joined Nkana in January 2024 on a two-year deal from Congolese side Saint Éloi Lupopo but later lodged a complaint with FIFA, citing unpaid salaries and an outstanding signing-on fee. Following its investigation, FIFA ordered Nkana to pay the defender USD 10,000 and ZMW 50,000, plus interest, within a stipulated period.
After the club failed to comply with the ruling within the deadline, FIFA imposed a player registration ban in late 2024, restricting Nkana from registering players both locally and internationally until the matter was resolved.
Following months of uncertainty, Nkana has now settled the outstanding dues owed to the player, leading to the lifting of the sanction .
The lifting of the ban paves the way for Nkana to register and sign new players ahead of the 2025/26 season, providing a significant boost to the club’s preparations as it looks to strengthen its squad.
By Taonga Nk’homa
