In a recent ruling, FIFA ordered Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC to pay Ghanaian striker Martin Dzilah a total of $29,000, including interest. This decision, issued on August 30, stems from a dispute over unpaid compensation to the player. Dzilah, who briefly played for the Vietnamese club during the 2023-24 season, mutually terminated his contract in February 2024. Despite reaching a compensation agreement of $20,000, Dzilah never received the funds, prompting him to take legal action with the help of a representative company, Joseph Bannerman.
Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC was given 45 days to make the payment, or risk facing consequences such as a ban on registering new players. The club, however, claimed that they did not receive information about FIFA’s initial request for supporting documents, and only responded to the ruling on September 7. They provided evidence of the contract termination minutes, signed by Dzilah, which included a note confirming the receipt of $20,000. Nonetheless, due to their late response, the Dispute Resolution Chamber ruled in favor of Dzilah.
The club is now working closely with FIFA to present their case and provide relevant evidence. FIFA has also indicated their willingness to publish documents related to the Dispute Resolution Chamber’s decision if necessary. This case highlights the importance of timely responses and adherence to FIFA’s regulations to avoid potential penalties.
Vietnam Calls on Thailand for a Friendly Football Match in September
The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has cordially invited the Football Association of Thailand (FA Thailand) to participate in a thrilling friendly match between their esteemed national teams. This exciting encounter is proposed to take place in the vibrant month of September, strategically aligning with the internationally recognized FIFA Days. These designated days, as established by FIFA, serve as a prestigious platform for official and friendly international matches, providing a stage for nations to showcase their talent and passion for the beautiful game.