Bullets stung by FIFA: Ordered to pay MK27 Million to Chitiyo

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets finds itself in a precarious position after FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) delivered a stinging verdict on June 5, 2025. The football governing body has ordered the Malawian giants to pay Zimbabwean midfielder Ronald Chitiyo a hefty USD 15,200 (approximately K27.2 million) for breach of contract, with a stringent 45-day deadline to comply or face severe sporting sanctions.

The ruling stems from Chitiyo’s premature departure from the club. The seasoned Zimbabwean international, now back in his home country playing for Green Fuel FC, had reportedly signed a three-year deal with Bullets but played for only one season before being released.

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This decision by Bullets, seemingly made to accommodate new strategies or due to the player’s perceived performance, has now come back to haunt them in the form of a binding FIFA judgment.

While Bullets’ Chief Executive Officer, Albert Chigoga, has stated he will only comment once the club receives the official verdict, the implications are clear and immediate.

The fine, a substantial amount for a Malawian club, must be paid within 45 days, or Bullets will face a ban from registering both local and international players for three consecutive transfer windows.

At the core of FIFA’s ruling is the fundamental principle of contractual stability in football.

When a player signs a contract with a club, both parties commit to a set period of employment, outlining terms, conditions, and remuneration. Any unilateral termination of this agreement by either party, without “just cause” as defined by FIFA regulations, constitutes a breach of contract.

In this instance, it appears Chitiyo’s representation successfully argued before the DRC that Bullets’ decision to release him after just one season, despite having a three-year contract, constituted such a breach.

While the specifics of Bullets’ defense are not yet publicly known, it is likely they either failed to demonstrate a “just cause” for the early termination (such as a serious disciplinary infraction by the player, or mutual agreement), or they failed to adequately compensate Chitiyo for the unfulfilled portion of his contract.

FIFA’s regulations are designed to protect players from arbitrary dismissals and ensure they are compensated for the agreed-upon duration of their contracts, unless the club can prove a legitimate reason for early termination.

According to Article 13 of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP), “Pacta sunt servanda“, contracts between professional players and clubs must be respected.

“In all cases, the party in breach shall pay compensation. The calculation of this compensation takes into account various factors, including the remuneration and other benefits due to the player under the existing contract, the time remaining on the contract, and other objective criteria,” reads Article 17.

“Sporting sanctions shall also be imposed on the party in breach. For a club found to be in breach of contract during the “protected period” (a specified initial period of the contract, typically two or three seasons depending on the player’s age), the club “shall be banned from registering any new players, either nationally or internationally, for two entire and consecutive registration periods.”

Chitiyo, who joined Bullets alongside fellow Zimbabweans Collins Mujuru and Kenneth Pasuwa (son of coach Kalisto Pasuwa), was among a group of players who departed at the end of the season.

While Kenneth Pasuwa’s exit was reportedly due to the expiry of his contract, Chitiyo and Mujuru’s situations appear to have been different, with Mujuru also making a move to Green Fuel FC.

The fact that Chitiyo pursued this matter through FIFA’s DRC indicates his belief that his contract was unlawfully terminated though Bullets announced that they mutually agreed to part ways earlier this year.