On the heels of FIFA’s decision, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) promptly notified Hoang Anh Gia Lai of the imposed penalty last Friday.
This ban extends to both domestic and international football activities, significantly impacting the club’s operations.
According to the VFF, adherence to the regulations is non-negotiable for Hoang Anh Gia Lai, and the only path to lifting the penalty is by settling their outstanding financial obligations to Ghanaian striker Martin Dzilah.
As a consequence of FIFA’s ruling, Hoang Anh Gia Lai now finds itself on the organization’s international player registration ban list. This list is updated weekly, every Monday, serving as a warning to potential partners and football entities worldwide.
A spokesperson from Hoang Anh Gia Lai acknowledged the receipt of the VFF’s correspondence and indicated that a response is forthcoming. The club is treating this matter with the utmost seriousness.
Additionally, Hoang Anh Gia Lai has involved the local authorities, specifically the Department of Public Security of Gia Lai Province, where the team is based, to investigate the situation and provide clarity on the events that transpired.
The origins of this situation can be traced back to the mutual termination of Martin Dzilah’s contract in February, following his signing with the club in October 2023. A compensation agreement was reached on March 21, with the club committing to pay Dzilah $20,000, marking the culmination of nearly a month of negotiations.
Official records indicate that Dzilah confirmed the receipt of the agreed-upon amount. However, complications arose as Dzilah did not receive the funds in his bank account, prompting him to enlist the services of his representative, Joseph Bannerman, who subsequently filed a lawsuit with FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber.
On August 30, FIFA handed down its decision, ruling that Hoang Anh Gia Lai owed Dzilah a total of $29,000, inclusive of interest. The club was mandated to settle this amount within a 45-day period, which concluded on October 14.
Despite missing the payment deadline, Hoang Anh Gia Lai sought the involvement of the police, summoning Dzilah for questioning in an attempt to resolve the matter.
As the situation continues to unfold, all eyes are on Hoang Anh Gia Lai as they navigate this challenging period, striving to restore their standing within the football community.
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