Golden Arrows dispute with Knox Mutizwa triggers FIFA ban

Arrows abruptly parted ways with their all-time leading scorer in May, under bizarre  circumstances that remains undisclosed publicly.  

Mutizwa has since joined Betway Premiership rivals Richards Bay, and has remained tight-lipped about the reasons behind his exit from Abafana Bes’thende.  

A FIFA letter seen by the public broadcaster states that, although a settlement agreement was reached between Mutizwa and Arrows, the club failed to honour its obligations, prompting the sanction. 

“In this regard, we wish to inform the parties that a ban from registering new players internationally and nationally has been implemented by FIFA on the respondent," reads the correspondence. 

"The registration ban will remain active until the amount due is paid and for a maximum duration of up to three entire and consecutive registration periods."

Mutizwa spent a total eight years across multiple spells at Arrows, amassing 63 goals in 231 matches, and the Zimbabwean striker has quickly made his mark at Richards Bay, helping them reach the Carling Knockout semifinals recently.  

Arrows can only have the ban lifted once FIFA receives proof of payment made to Mutizwa – until then, coach Manqoba Mngqithi’s side will be unable to register new players until July 2027.