Nkana FC have been hit with another FIFA registration ban, less than two months after their previous ban was lifted.
According to the latest FIFA Registration Ban List, the Kitwe giants are currently under a registration ban effective 7 August 2026, with the sanction covering three registration periods.
The development comes after FIFA ordered Nkana to settle outstanding financial obligations involving Congolese striker Erick Etienne Matiaba.
Matiaba joined Kalampa from Chililabombwe-based Super League side Konkola Blades in July 2024, signing a two-year contract.
However, he made only a handful of appearances for Nkana and was later loaned out to FC Leopards. Matiaba subsequently dragged the Wusakile outfit to FIFA over unpaid salaries and an outstanding signing-on fee.
In June, FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) ruled in Matiaba’s favour.
According to a letter dated 7 August 2026 and signed by FIFA head of disciplinary affairs Americo Espallargas, Nkana will be unable to register new players for the next three transfer windows unless they settle the outstanding amount owed to Matiaba.
“It appears that despite the decision, Nkana [the respondent] has not yet complied with its financial obligations towards Etienne Matiaba. In this regard, we wish to inform the parties that a ban from registering new players internationally and nationally has been implemented by FIFA on the respondent,” the letter reads.
“The registration ban will remain active until the amount due is paid and for a maximum duration of up to three entire and consecutive registration periods. Lastly, the Football Association of Zambia is requested to immediately implement on the respondent a ban from registering new players at national level, if not done yet.”
The ZamFoot Crew understands that Nkana have since cleared the bulk of the amount owed to Matiaba, with approximately US$4,000 in penalties remaining.
FIFA registration ban details
- 🇿🇲 Club: Nkana FC
- 🌍 Association: Zambia
- 🏆 Confederation: CAF
- 👥 Applicable to: Male
- 📅 Start of ban: 7 August 2026
- 🚫 Registration periods: 3
Nkana had a ban lifted mid June which stemmed from unresolved contractual disputes, which had previously stalled Nkana’s squad reinforcements. The players that landed Nkana in problems include Cameroonian defender Dimitri Njalla, Congolese midfielder Mousa Lemisa and striker David Kabala.
Nkana struggled last season fighting relegation for the majority of their campaign and finishing just 13th on the table with 39 points.
The fresh sanction is another setback for Nkana as they prepare for the upcoming Transitional League campaign, coming shortly after the club had regained the ability to register new players following the lifting of its previous FIFA ban.
