Adama Keita vs Gor Mahia stalemate explained

The impasse between Kenyan Premier League giants Gor Mahia and Malian international Adama Keita that has put the club in hot soup at FIFA and CAF has been explained.

Gor Mahia went for the signing of the Malian goalkeeper in August 2021 on a two-year deal but he did not meet the high expectations at K’Ogalo.

In May 2022, the player reported Gor Mahia to FIFA’s Disputes Resolution Chamber over breach of contract after they failed to pay him for a couple of months. The club was facing financial challenges then.

In July 2022, the player reportedly terminated his contract with Gor Mahia citing a breach on the part of the Kenyan champions. He informed FIFA’s DRC of the same and demanded more compensation from K’Ogalo.

Consequently, FIFA’s Disputes Resolution Chamber ruled the breach of contract case in Adama Keita’s favour, the player was awarded a total of 30544 USD (4,331,750 as per current rates) in compensation. 5% interest inclusive in November 2022.

In March 2023, the two parties reached a payment plan that resulted in the club’s transfer ban being lifted. Gor Mahia reportedly paid the player 16000 USD ( 2,288,548) and pledge to pay the remaining 14544 USD (Kes. 2,080, 290) by latest 30th April 2023.

In the particular payment plan drafted by legal representatives and signed by both parties, a clause was inserted that if Gor fail to clear the balance by the stipulated time (30th April), then a penalty of USD 15272 (Kes. 2,184,419)
which is 50% of the principal amount 30544 ( Kes.4, 331,750) would apply.

On 30th April 2023, Gor Mahia defaulted and the player moved back to FIFA seeking to be paid the remaining amount plus penalty which is a total of 29816 USD (Kes. 4,228,505)

Three months later in July 2023, Keita wrote to CAF requesting them to revoke Gor Mahia’s license as they still owed him money contrary to CAF’s Club Licencing requirements.

In the same month of July 2023, CAF responded immediately directing Gor Mahia to pay the player all his dues by 20th July 5PM East African Time (EAT). The African football governing body also directed Gor Mahia to settle the monies owed to Yangayay Sando Sando and Jules Ulimwengu.

The side complied and on 19th July, K’Ogalo is reported to have paid Sando Sando all his money. The club was left to clear with Jules Ulimwengu and Keita.

Running out of time, efforts to strike another payment plan with Keita on 20th July 2023 hit a snag f as the player wanted all his monies, resulting to the club’s expulsion from the 2023/24 CAF Champions League.