Pending multi-million bill for Pirates coach

Abdeslam Ouaddou’s wait for the payment of his multi-million claim will remain hanging pending the conclusion of internal affairs and the subsequent close of DR Congo’s transfer window.

Ouaddou coached AS Vita for a brief spell during 2024 and had his first experience of dealing with a concoction of issues, including breaches of his contract. 

READ | Mokoena’s growing offensive influence at Sundowns

The Moroccan Frenchman was given a raw deal by the club with non-payment of his salaries and failure to be reimbursed for his flight tickets.

He then engaged Alexis Rutman – a Counsel at Steering Legal in Paris, France – to file a claim with FIFA.

Both the world governing body and the Court of Arbitration for Sport then granted an order stating that Ouaddou’s claim was admissible, but with Vita choosing not to adhere, they have now been stuck with a transfer since May 27.

Vita are already in preparation for the start of the Linafoot – whose dates are awaiting the Sports Ministry – and have already made new signings who include Ismael Ngambelo and Peter Mutumosi Zilu.

Unfortunately, they cannot be registered until the ban is lifted.

Ouaddou's millions hang as Vita face transfer ban

This website has been informed that Vita will take the negotiation route towards setting what now stands at about R11,5 million plus procedural costs for breach of contract.

Ouaddou initially filed his case at FIFA for non-payment of his salary and other contractual breaches.

This was in November 2024.

After he got a decision in his favour, Vita then appealed to CAS, where the ruling was upheld as of May 27.

Documents show that Ouaddou must be paid €612,227.30 (approx. R11,3 million), which is inclusive of arrears of salaries and bonuses, a refund for airfare costs, and compensation for breach of contract.

The total of the owed salaries and bonuses amounts to R2,9 million, flights R36 600, and R8,4 million as compensation for wrongful termination. 

The club must also pay 3000 CHF (approx. R59 000) for procedural costs plus two-thirds of the arbitration fees.

Vita still has internal issues to settle, which will then pave the way for engagements with Ouaddou’s representatives.

READ | OFFICIAL: Sundowns sign ex-Pirates star

The club is only expected to make payments before the close of the Congolese transfer window, which will then allow them to register new players for the new season.

Ouaddou was employed while Vita had Amadou Diaby as president but has in recent times had Flory Mapamboli as interim president. 

Photo: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images

Related tags

Abdeslam Ouaddou AS Vita Club Fifa Ban News Orlando Pirates Fc