The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has imposed an indefinite ban on international transfers for Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) Football Club, following a legal dispute with former foreign player Martin Dzilah. The ruling, sent to HAGL and the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), prevents the club from participating in international player transfers until the issue is resolved.

The decision stems from a dispute involving Martin Dzilah, who joined HAGL in October 2023. After playing just three matches (totaling 225 minutes), his contract was terminated due to a severe injury. Dzilah then initiated a legal complaint, leading to the current sanctions.

According to FIFA, HAGL must pay Martin Dzilah $29,000 to lift the ban. The dispute revolves around a compensation agreement in which the club reportedly paid Dzilah $20,000. However, Dzilah later claimed he had not received any funds, prompting him to file a complaint with FIFA.

On August 30, FIFA ruled in favor of Dzilah, ordering HAGL to pay him $29,000, including interest, due to delayed compliance. The club was given 45 days, until October 15, to settle the payment, failing which FIFA would enforce the ban.

The ban officially took effect on October 24, 2024. HAGL has since indicated that it is compiling evidence to demonstrate that the club fulfilled the $20,000 payment as per the initial agreement, aiming to have the transfer ban lifted.

HAGL responds to FIFA’s transfer ban

In addition to filing an appeal with FIFA, HAGL has reached out to relevant authorities to seek intervention in the matter.  

Following the announcement of FIFA's indefinite transfer ban, HAGL released an official statement addressing the issue.  

The club explained that on March 21, 2024, at HAGL's headquarters in Pleiku, Martin Dzilah signed a contract termination agreement with the club. As part of this agreement, the club paid Dzilah $20,000, which he acknowledged by signing a receipt.  

Despite this, on August 30, FIFA ruled that HAGL must compensate Dzilah with $29,000 after Dzilah's complaint alleged that the club had coerced him into signing the agreement under improper circumstances. The complaint accused HAGL of forcing Dzilah to sign the termination and payment receipt without actually transferring the agreed funds into his account.  

"In light of these developments, we have submitted an appeal to FIFA to clarify the situation. Additionally, HAGL has reached out to authorities to help investigate and resolve this matter transparently," the club stated.  

The statement further indicated that authorities have launched an investigation, and HAGL promised to provide updates to fans and the media once a resolution is reached.

Dai Nam