- Gor Mahia to report Tunisian giants Étoile du Sahel to FIFA over unpaid transfer fees.
- This is after the North African club allegedly failed to honour the transfer agreement for Harambee Stars defender Alphonce Omija
- Omija completed a move to Étoile du Sahel on September 10, 2025, following an impressive outing with the Harambee Stars in the CHAN 2024.
Record SportPesa League champions Gor Mahia are preparing to escalate their dispute with Tunisian giants Étoile Sportive du Sahel to governing body FIFA after the North African club allegedly failed to honour the transfer agreement for Harambee Stars defender Alphonce Omija.
The Kenyan international completed a move to Étoile du Sahel on September 10, 2025, following an impressive outing with the Harambee Stars in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 that saw Kenya make it to the quarterfinals in her first attempt.
Omija had rejoined Gor Mahia after a stint with Al Dhofar SC in Oman and his transfer was viewed as a major step in his career as the defender quickly settled into life in Tunisia and featuring regularly for the club.
However, behind the scenes, the deal has reportedly been marred by unresolved financial obligations.
ALSO READ: Alphonce Omija completes move to Tunisia’s Etoile Sportive du Sahel
Gor Mahia to report Tunisian Giants Étoile du Sahel to FIFA
In an exclusive interview with the SportPesa blog, Gor Mahia Secretary General Nick Arum revealed that the club has grown increasingly frustrated after failing to receive any payment from Étoile du Sahel, despite multiple attempts to resolve the matter amicably.
We have a case with Étoile Sportive du Sahel. They have never paid the club a single cent, yet they took our player,” Arum said.
We will report them to FIFA soon. The agreed transfer fee was USD 50,000, and we have not received anything at all. We have written countless letters regarding this issue, but they have not responded.”
Arum further disclosed that the situation appeared close to being resolved when Étoile du Sahel visited Nairobi for their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round clash against Nairobi United.
According to the Gor Mahia official, assurances were made at senior management level.
When they came to Nairobi, I personally spoke to their management, and the club’s vice president committed to settling the payment. He promised that the money would be paid on Monday, October 20, 2025, after their Sunday match against Nairobi United.
He even signed the agreement that we currently have and left his contact details. Unfortunately, we have been calling him since then, but no one is picking our calls. That is why we now have no option but to pursue the matter formally.”
ALSO READ: Gor Mahia ace Alphonce Omija talks 24/25 title race after career milestone
The situation has left all parties involved in an awkward position. Omija’s agent, who facilitated the move to Tunisia, is reportedly also helpless.
“The agent who took him to Tunisia has not also helped in the matter at hand as they are also helpless.”said Arum.
Arum confirmed that Gor Mahia’s legal team is now preparing documentation to lodge a formal complaint with FIFA, citing breach of contract and failure to comply with agreed transfer terms.
On a more positive note, the Gor Mahia Secretary General clarified that the club has no issues regarding the transfer of star midfielder Austine Odhiambo, who is set to join Lebanese giants Nejmeh SC having sealed a move to the club a few days ago.
With Austine Odhiambo, there is no problem at all. Everything concerning that transfer has been handled properly. The club has completed all procedures with us, and we have received full payment. Our only pending issue is with Étoile Sportive du Sahel.”
As Gor Mahia weigh their next steps, the case highlights the financial risks local clubs face when dealing with foreign teams, and the increasing need for strict enforcement of transfer agreements through FIFA’s legal frameworks.
