Akpeyi’s Club Kaizer Chiefs Handed Transfer Ban After Losing CAS Appeal

South African club Kaizer Chiefs will not be able to sign players in the next two transfer windows after their transfer ban was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The Premier Soccer League side who have Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi on their books were first suspended by world body FIFA in December over the signing of Malagasy player Andriamirado Aro Hasina Andrianamimanana.

They appealed the decision at CAS but their appeal was struck out as CAS sided with FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber which said the player was still under contract with Fosa Juniors FC in Madagascar when he signed for Kaizer Chiefs.

Andrianamimanana terminated the employment contract with Fosa Juniors FC “without just cause” FIFA’s DRC stated.

The player and Kaizer Chiefs must now pay a joint amount of $40,000 as compensation to Fosa Juniors and Andrianamimanana must serve a four-month playing ban.

Meanwhile, Akpeyi returned to action in the Premier Soccer League for Kaizer Chiefs for the first time on Tuesday since he suffered a concussion last season.

New manager Gavin Hunt who replaced Ernst Middendorp this season had opted for veteran Itumeleng Khune in goal in Chiefs DSTV Premier League opening day loss to bitter rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and in the MTN 8.

However, with fans of Amakhosi disillusioned with Ikhune’s display, the calls for Akpeyi to be recalled grew strident as fans made their opinion felt on social media.

Hunt bowed to fan pressure and handed the Nigerian a start in Chiefs second league game, and it proved an inspired derision as they secured a 1-0 win over Chippa United.

With Akpeyi resolute in goal, Gregory Damons’ own goal thirteen minutes from time helped Amakhosi pick up their first league win of the new campaign following their opening day loss to last season champions.