World football governing body, FIFA has imposed a transfer ban on Etincelles after failing to pay an amount in excess of Rwf8,850,000, equivalent to $7020, owed to Ghanaian midfielder Prince Jerome Iniesta. Iniesta joined Etincelles in January 2023 on a two-year deal after passing one month trials. His signing on fee and other entitlements were, however, not paid and, after six months, club coach Rajab Bizumuremyi told him he was not in his plans for the 2023/24 and that he didn't register him. The player could not move to another club after the transfer window closed. . ALSO READ: Etincelles fined $7000 over breaching player's contract Iniesta was not impressed, through renowned Egyptian sports lawyer Abdelrahman Hashish, dragged the Rubavu-based club to FIFA to seek redress. FIFA ruled in favor of Iniesta on January 9, 2024 and asked Etincelles to pay him the money within a month which all fell on deaf ears, resulting in transfer ban until the arrears are cleared. Julien Deux, the FIFA head of Judiciary, on March 11 informed Etincelles that they are banned from undertaking any transfer business both locally and internationally until Iniesta’s arrears are cleared. We wish to inform the parties that a ban from registering new players internationally has been implemented as of today (March 11), the letter reads in part. Moreover, and in accordance with the aforementioned decision, the respondent's member association is requested to immediately implement on the club Etincelles a ban from registering new players at national level, the letter added. Etincelles are currently 12th on the Primus National League table with 25 points from 24 games.
