Exclusive: Two clubs sue Ethiopian Premier League

Photo Credit: Ethiopian Premier League

Two top-tier clubs have filed a lawsuit against the Ethiopian Premier League Share Company (EPLSC) over sanctions imposed on them for making illicit payments to players during the 2024 summer transfer window. The clubs involved are Mechal and Sidama coffee.

The Federal Court in Addis Ababa has received the complaint from the clubs regarding the penalties and has ordered the league to respond to the claims by 22 April, 2025.

The clubs argue that the league lacks the authority to sanction them and impose such penalties.

A source close to the matter told Pan Africa Football that this legal dispute could significantly shape the future of Ethiopian football.

Another source, who is close to the league and requested anonymity, claimed to Pan Africa Football that the clubs are using the lawsuit to delay enforcement. “They sued because they know the court case will take time,” the source said.

The source added: “All clubs signed the league’s transfer regulations and should therefore abide by them. It’s laughable that they are now suing the league over penalties they previously agreed to.”

The EPLSC penalized the four clubs and 16 players for breaching transfer regulations.

The Ethiopian Football Federation’s Appeals Committee recently reviewed the matter and upheld the EPLSC’s decision.

It remains unclear why the clubs chose to take legal action in Ethiopian courts rather than escalating the matter to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) or FIFA. Last month, EPLSC board chairman Lieutenant Fekade Mamo stated that they were prepared to take the case to FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to enforce the league’s rules and regulations.