The transfer ban imposed on Royal AM by FIFA has come out as point of interest from a forum held to highlight the need for improving the handling of disputes in Africa.
Royal AM are sitting on two transfer bans following failure to settle disputes internally with Samir Nurkovic and Ricardo Nascimento, which forced the pair to take up their cases with FIFA.
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The KwaZulu-Natal club lost both cases at FIFA and, after failing to adhere to the global football body's rulings, were handed transfer bans.
With the transfer ban on, Thwihli Thwahla have since failed to enter a team for the DStv Diski Challenge having already failed to make new signings since July 3, 2023 when the first ban came into effect.
"The goal was to address the ongoing challenges in African football dispute resolution and identify strategies to improve the effectiveness, fairness and efficiency of these processes.
"Emphasis on independence, impartiality and effectiveness of National Dispute Resolution Chambers (NDRC).
"The meeting was prompted by the research findings showing that, of the 54 African Associations, only five had established NDRCs, with proceedings lacking basic due process requirements," reads the report from the assembly, which had over 80 key stakeholders, including FA representatives, players, coaches, club officials and legal experts.
The absence of effective NDRCs in most African countries in resolving frequent disputes between players and clubs was highlighted along with delays in payment and the unfair treatment of players and coaches.
Emphasis was also made on legal challenges arising from limited understanding of football-related regulations.
Amongst those making presentations were Davor Lazic, who represents Nurkovic in the case against Royal AM.
Lazic shared his experience in being involved in various football tribunals at FIFA and CAS, while noting that only five countries had established NDRCs and even those procedures were lengthy.
The crucial outcome was the unanimous agreement that education for all football stakeholders was key in ensuring respect for rights and obligations.
"It was noted that a significant number of disputes arise from misunderstandings or lack of knowledge regarding contracts, obligations and the regulations governing football.
"By educating clubs, players and coaches on their respective rights and obligations, and by informing national associations about FIFA's standards, disputes could be minimized, and fair treatment of all parties ensured.
"FIFA's new standards for NDRCs were highlighted as part of this educational effort, with stakeholders agreeing that education would be critical to successful implementation.
"The absence of these bodies (NDRCs) in most African countries has left players, coaches and other stakeholders vulnerable to unjust practices, such as contract terminations and delayed payments.
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"However, FIFA has recognized this issue and introduced new principles to strengthen NDRCs through the FIFA National Dispute Resolution Chamber: New Recognition Principles and Standard Regulations, as outlined in FIFA Circular no. 1876.
"These regulations aim to promote fairness, independence and transparency within national associations by providing a standardized framework for NDRCs, ensuring that all football stakeholders can access timely and impartial resolutions," reads part of the report.