FIFA has ordered Tanzania’s Yanga SC to pay their former coach Luc Eymael $148,000 [R2.6 million] as compensation for unfair dismissal two years ago.
FARPost has seen the determination from FIFA to the Tanzania Mainland Premier League champions over the saga with Eymael who was accused of having made racist remarks.
“The Respondent, Yanga SC, has to pay the claimant the following amounts: US10,000 as outstanding remuneration plus 5% interest as from 1 July 2020 until the end date effective payment,” the determination reads.
“USD 138,000 as compensation for breach of contract without just cause plus 5% interest as from 22 April 2022 until the date of effective payment. Any further claims of the Claimant are rejected.”
CONSEQUENCES
The world football governing body has threatened that Yanga risk a ban from signing players for three consecutive transfer windows if they do not pay the fine with 45 days from now.
“Pursuant to art 8 of Annexe 2 of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, if full payment (including all applicable interest) is not made within 45 days of notification of this decision, the following consequences shall apply,” the letter adds.
“The Respondent shall be banned from registering any new players, either nationally or internationally, up until the due amount is paid. The maximum duration of the ban shall be of up to three entire and consecutive registration periods.
“The present matter shall be submitted, upon request, to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee in the event that full payment (including all applicable interest) is still not made by the end of the entire and consecutive registration periods.”
YANGA OBLIGE
The current management for the 2021/22 title winners has reportedly agreed to pay the fine for the ‘sins’ of their predecessors in instalments.
Yanga sacked the coach, alleging that he made racist remarks based on media reports claiming he had called Tanzanian fans monkeys following a draw with a 1-1 draw with Mtibwa Sugar FC.
The Jwangani-based club informed the Belgian about the dismissal through a letter by then interim general secretary Simon Patrick.
“Yanga management has been saddened by inhumane and racist remarks made by coach Luc Eymael and reported by several media outlets as well as social media,” Simon wrote on July 27 2022.
“Owing to those unsporting remarks, Yanga management has decided to fire Luc Eymael effective today, Monday, July 27, 2020, and will ensure he leaves the country as soon as possible.
Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) followed up Yanga’s action by banning Eymael for two years from coaching in the country and fined him 8 million Tanzania shillings.
In solidarity with TFF, SAFA announced that it was intending to ban the former Polokwane City coach from coaching in South Africa.
The punishment led to Eymael losing a potential employment opportunity with Chippa United.
Eymael has since found a new home at Libyan Ittihad outfit Misrata after a lengthy sabbatical.
