Libyan club Al-Suwaihli SC has launched an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following a ruling by FIFA’s Disputes Committee concerning its Malian striker Felipe Traore.
The decision, issued in recent hours, relates to a contractual dispute between Traore and his former club TP Mazembe. FIFA concluded that the player had unlawfully terminated his contract with the Congolese side, imposing both financial and sporting sanctions.
FIFA Imposes Fine and Suspension
According to the ruling, Traore must pay compensation amounting to $138,225.81 to TP Mazembe. The sum is subject to an annual interest rate of 5%, calculated from 12 October 2024 until the amount is fully settled.
In addition to the financial penalty, FIFA handed the 24-year-old forward a four-month suspension from official matches with his current club. The ban is to take immediate effect upon notification of the decision.
FIFA also stipulated that the compensation must be paid within 30 days to the account designated by TP Mazembe. Failure to comply could see the case referred to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee for further action.
Dispute Stems from Contract Termination
Traore, who joined TP Mazembe in 2020 on a five-year deal, sought to move to Al-Suwaihli in September 2024 after terminating his contract unilaterally. His former club strongly opposed the transfer and reportedly took measures to prevent his departure, including retaining his passport.
The situation escalated before Al-Suwaihli intervened, enabling the player to travel to Misrata and complete his move to the Libyan side.
FIFA’s ruling effectively supports Mazembe’s claim that the termination of the contract was carried out without just cause.
Al-Suwaihli Maintain Legal Position
In response, Al-Suwaihli issued a statement asserting confidence in its legal standing. The club insisted that it faces no financial liabilities, sporting sanctions, or transfer restrictions as a result of the ruling.
The Libyan side confirmed that it had immediately initiated appeal proceedings with CAS, seeking to overturn or amend the decision. Among its primary demands is the suspension of the sporting sanction imposed on Traore, allowing him to continue playing while the case is under review.
The club emphasised that its actions are aimed at safeguarding both its legal rights and its competitive ambitions during the ongoing season.
Key Player for Al-Suwaihli
Traore has been a central figure in Al-Suwaihli’s campaign in the Libyan Premier League. After 14 rounds of matches, he has featured in all of the club’s fixtures, underlining his importance to the team.
The striker has scored eight goals, placing him third in the league’s scoring charts. He trails Azzo Al-Maryami, who leads with 11 goals for Al-Ahli Tripoli, and Joao Caboral of Al-Ittihad Misurata, who has scored nine.
In addition to his goals, Traore has contributed three assists, bringing his total goal involvements to 11—an indication of his influence in the attacking third.
Uncertainty as Appeal Process Begins
The case is now set to move to CAS, where a final and binding decision will be made. Until then, uncertainty remains over Traore’s immediate future and availability.
For Al-Suwaihli, the outcome of the appeal could have significant implications, not only for the player but also for the club’s ambitions in domestic competition. As proceedings unfold, attention will remain firmly fixed on whether the Libyan side can successfully challenge FIFA’s ruling.
