Gor Mahia former left-back Shafik Batambuze has rejected the settlement proposal made to clear his outstanding arrears amounting to 1.83 million Kenya Shillings.
Gor Mahia had received clearance from the World Football Governing Body FIFA to participate in the CAF Confederation Cup scheduled to kick off in the second week of September and also proceed with signing of new players.
This followed after the club entered a payment agreement with players and coaches who were owed substantial amounts of money. FIFA asked the reigning champions to either pay in full the amounts in the dispute or agreed on the payment mode.
Former head coach Steven Polack who has registered the matter to FIFA confirmed the agreement and a receipt of part of his payment of Ksh. 700,000. (also read Steven Polack resigns)
But the Ugandan player rejected the agreement even though confirmed the receipt of Kshs. 500,000 paid through his advocate.
Batambuze claimed he rejected the proposal in a letter to the club and would want the matter taken back to FIFA.
“You may recall that, you were categorically informed that the Player regrettably rejected the settlement proposals stipulated in the memorandum of understanding stating that FIFA had already issued a decision and enforcement of the same decision had already commenced”, read the letter.
“In view of the above, we regret to inform you that we have instructions to report to FIFA once again implement the ban on the registration of Players both nationally and internationally and to further engage CAF to assist in the enforcement of the FIFA decision”, the letter further reads.
The former player however acknowledged the receipt of Kshs. 500,000 after a settlement agreement was reached.
“For purposed of clarity, we acknowledge receipt of KSH. 500,00/= on behalf of the client (Player) and the outstanding balance is KSHS. 1,336,000/ PLUS UG SHS. 8.688,500/= and all the amounts are subject to 5% interest as per the FIFA decision”, the letter further stated.
K’Ogalo released Batambuze on November 6th, 2020 after 2 years period (read Batambuze released by Gor Mahia). He picked a knee injury in November 2019 while on duty during the CAF Champions League match against Aigle Noir of Burundi, putting him out of action for a good period.
Other players who left the club at that time include Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka FC), Joash Onyango (Simba SC, Tanzania), Wellington Ochieng (Tusker FC), Elvis Ronack (Nzoia Sugar FC), Kennedy Otieno (Western Stima FC), Boniface Omondi (Wazito FC), David Mapigano (Azam FC, Tanzania).