FIFA bans Bullets from registering players after failing to compensate Ronald Chitiyo

FIFA has imposed a registration ban on FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, preventing the Malawian club from signing new players until they pay compensation to former midfielder Ronald Chitiyo.

The ban, implemented on September 17, 2025, follows the club’s failure to comply with a FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber ruling that ordered Bullets to pay the Zimbabwean player USD 15,200 (approximately K27.2 million) for breach of contract.

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The dispute stems from the premature termination of Chitiyo’s contract with the club before the start of the 2025 season. While FCB Nyasa Big Bullets announced in February that Chitiyo had “left the club by mutual agreement,” the player contested this version of events through his representative, Desmond Maringwa.

On June 5, 2025, Wa Mpira reported that FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber ruled in favor of Chitiyo, ordering the club to pay compensation within 45 days. However, Bullets initially vowed to contest the FIFA order.

In an official letter dated September 17, 2025, FIFA’s Head of Disciplinary Americo Espallargas informed the club that a “financial obligation towards Ronald Chitiyo” remained unpaid despite the earlier decision.

The registration ban affects both international and national player registrations and will remain in place “until the amount due is paid and for a maximum duration of up to three entire and consecutive registration periods.”

“In this context, it appears that, despite the Decision, FCB NYASA BIG BULLETS (the Respondent) has not yet complied with its financial obligations towards Ronald Chitiyo. 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 letter signed by Américo Espallargas.

The Football Association of Malawi has been directed to implement the ban immediately, preventing the club from registering new players at the national level.

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.