January 17 – FIFA is reported to have slapped Marseille with a transfer ban in the ongoing dispute over the 2020 signing of midfielder Pape Gueye, according to local reports.
The ban covers two transfer windows but the Ligue 1 club is expected to appeal the ruling by FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber following a complaint by English Premier League Watford.
Marseille have reportedly also received a fine of over €2 million.
After starting his career at Le Havre, Gueye was due to become a free agent in the summer of 2020. In April of that year, according to agency reports, he signed a pre-contract with Watford before changing his mind and agreeing a deal with Marseille. Watford are understood to want €10 million in compensation.
Gueye, who is with the Senegal squad at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, has apparently been suspended from all competition for four months.
Gueye played for France at under-18 and under-19 level before opting to represent Senegal, where his parents are from. He came off the bench for Senegal in their opening game in Cameroon on Tuesday but did not figure in Friday’s 0-0 draw with Guinea after his team learned of the ban.
“We knew it in reality five minutes before the kickoff,” said Senegal coach Aliou Cisse after the match.
Marseille are appealing and apparently hoping for a verdict within three to six months.
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