Breaking: Appeal Committee upholds Ethiopian Premier League's sanctions on illicit payments by clubs

The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) Appeal Committee upheld an initial decision taken by the Ethiopian Premier League Share Company (EPLSC) regarding four clubs and sixteen players after they breached a transfer rule. The league handed down penalties to the clubs and players after payments were made through third parties without the knowledge of authorities to avoid recently implemented regulations.

The Appeal Committee revealed there was no legal ground for the clubs and players to appeal the decision taken. The committee stated the clubs signed an agreement over the transfer rule last year, negating any legal case for the appeal. The decision taken by the league was suspended for over a month after the Appeal Committee suggested it needed time to look into the case.

The four clubs are Mechal, Mekele 70 Enderta, Sidama Coffee and Hawassa Ketema. The clubs signed players in the summer of 2024 but breached financial rules. According to the regulation, payments made through a third party are prohibited and all parties should disclose the salary of their signed players to the league and federation.

EPLSC board chairman Lieutenant Fekade Mamo previously stated they would enforce the law or leave office. Clubs and players will have ten working days to pay their penalties and come up with a confirmation receipt. The sixteen players involved will now be forced to return the money they were paid through third party payments.