Nkana handed fresh FIFA registration ban over Matiaba dispute

Nkana have been placed under a FIFA registration ban covering three transfer windows. The sanction took effect on 7 August 2026 and blocks the Zambia Super League club from registering players both domestically and internationally until the outstanding amount is paid, or for the maximum three consecutive periods.

The case centres on Congolese striker Erick Etienne Matiaba, who joined Nkana from Konkola Blades in July 2024 on a two-year contract. He made only a handful of appearances before leaving on loan for Kenyan club FC Leopards.

Matiaba later took Nkana to FIFA over unpaid salaries and an outstanding signing-on fee. FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber ruled in his favour in June, but Nkana has not fully met the financial obligation. The club has reportedly paid most of the amount, with about US$4,000 in penalties still outstanding.

FIFA’s disciplinary department has instructed the Football Association of Zambia to apply the national registration restriction if that has not already been done. The new sanction arrives less than two months after Nkana’s previous ban was removed in mid-June. That earlier case involved contractual disputes linked to Dimitri Njalla, Mousa Lemisa and David Kabala.

The timing adds to the pressure on a club that finished 13th in the 2025 Zambia Super League with 39 points from 34 matches. Nkana recorded nine wins, 12 draws and 13 defeats, scoring 23 goals and conceding 30 while spending much of the campaign near the relegation fight.

Their recent results have also been uneven, with draws against Kansanshi Dynamos and NAPSA Stars FC, defeats to Man Utd Zambia Academy and Nchanga Rangers, and a win away to ZESCO United. The ban is another obstacle as Nkana prepare for the Transitional League campaign, having only recently regained the ability to strengthen their squad through new registrations.