FIFA sanctions again in the Superliga. Another club receives a transfer ban for the next three mercato windows
After UTA Arad, CFR Cluj and FC Botoșani, one more Superliga team enters the FIFA blacklist. It is about Oțelul Galați, which was banned from signing players for the next three transfer periods, due to a dispute with Samy Bourard (29 years old).
Oțelul Galati was banned from legitimizing UCV players Photo/Facebook
The former Belgian midfielder, with Moroccan origins, complained to FIFA about the fact that he did not receive his full outstanding wages from the time he spent in Galați. Bourard played for Oțelul the previous season, one marked by serious financial problems caused by the non-respect of the sponsorship contract by the Liberty steel mill, according to GSP.
The tense situation inside the club also contributed to the departure of coach Dorinel Munteanu at the end of last year.
The leadership of the Galatians promises to resolve the situation
Galatasaray officials say they have paid the main debt to the player, but have delayed paying the penalties, which is why FIFA is maintaining the ban until the full payment of the debt is confirmed. However, the club representatives are optimistic and claim that the problem will be solved during the next week.
Despite the financial problems and the ban from FIFA, the team now managed by Laszlo Balint remains one of the revelations of the Superliga. After 16 stages, Oțelul has 23 points and continues to hope for a place in the championship play-off.
Bourard's path
Samy Bourard arrived at Oțelul in October 2024, after leaving the Israeli team Hapoel Hadera. In the shirt of the Galați team, he scored 20 matches, scoring two goals, one in the championship, against Hermannstadt, and another in the Romanian Cup, with SCM Râmnicu Vâlcea.
After parting with Oțelul, the midfielder transferred to Flamurtari, in the first league of Albania. In the summer, the two sides came close to extending the deal, but negotiations stalled, with the player looking for a better offer abroad.
