By Melusi Mlotsa | 2019-11-05

SOCCER – HUB giants Manzini Wanderers have blundered by fielding ineligible player Leon Manyisa during their MTN Premier League match against Malanti Chiefs at Somhlolo National Stadium on Saturday.

This comes after the player was reported to have signed a two-year deal with Armenian side FC Van in October 20. The player was even bid farewell by his team, school and family at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa before he left for Europe.

Goal

At the time Vovovo FC Director Sipho ‘Tsetla’ Bhembe was quoted in one of the daily newspapers saying the player was not going for trials but had signed a two-year deal with his new club. The director went on to say the youngster would continue with his school in Armenia and it was clear that he had been cleared to FC Van. The player only played four games for his new team in Armenia. In his last match for FC Van, Manyisa managed to provide an assist for the last goal as his team beat FC Ani 5-0.

It later transpired that the player’s contract had been terminated after failing to agree on personal terms and he had to return back home.

The confusion arose after Wanderers said they did not clear the player to FC Van but was on trials.

But the question is what would have happened if FC Van did not terminate the player’s contract and which contract did they terminate?

Transfer

Upon his return to the country, the player was supposed to wait for the January window period before playing for Wanderers but that was not the case as the Weslians fielded the player over the weekend.

“I can’t say much for now but Leon Manyisa is back and is our player. For now we will continue with our loan agreement with Wanderers,” said Vovovo director.

Now Malanti Chiefs have lodged a protest as they feel the player is not eligible to play having made three movements in one transfer window, especially after it had been closed. According to FIFA Regulations Article 6, players may only   registered during one of the two annual registration periods fixed by the relevant association. Associations may fix different registration periods for their male and female competitions.  “As an exception to this rule, a professional whose contract has expired prior to the end of a registration period may be registered outside that registration period. Associations are authorised to register such professionals provided due consideration is given to the sporting integrity of the relevant competition.  Where a contract has been terminated with just cause, FIFA may take provisional measures in order to avoid abuse subject to Article 22,” reads the article.  Manzini Wanderers PRO ‘Ntofo’ Dlamini said Manyisa was their player and they would continue to use him. Victor McDonald, who facilitated the player’s move to Armenia, was quoted insisting that the player was issued with the International Transfer Clearance (ITC). AN ITC is not issued to players on trial. “His ITC is in Armenia. I don’t think he is eligible to play until January,” MacDonald was quoted in one of the local newspapers. Eswatini Football Association marketing and media officer, Muzi Radebe said the information on Manyisa’s registration clearance is with the registration office and would need time to confirm the matter. “I was out of the country, I will try to check the information with the registration office as soon as possible,” he said.

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