Malian footballer Fily Traore has lodged a complaint with FIFA, accusing DR Congo club TP Mazembe of effectively kidnapping him by confiscating his passport.
The dispute comes days after FIFA ruled in Traore’s favour, allowing him to leave Mazembe for Libyan side Swehli.
In his complaint to FIFA, Traore wrote: “I hereby request your urgent intervention for the recovery of my passport confiscated by the TP Mazembe club.”
The striker claims he is being forced to travel with the team despite no longer being registered with them. “Although FIFA has ruled in my favour and I have been officially registered with Club Swehly since 12 September 2024, TP Mazembe has summoned me for the match scheduled for Tuesday 15 October 2024 at 15:30 in Kalemie against the local club FC Tanganyika,” Traore stated.
“Moreover, I am no longer allowed to participate in this match as long as my current registration is with Club Swehli. As a result, I am forced to travel by plane with the team, although I have neither the intention nor the desire to participate in this match.”
FIFA has reportedly transferred the passport matter to its disciplinary committee. “FIFA has also conducted an investigation into this situation, and the passport matter has been transferred to the disciplinary committee,” Traore’s complaint noted.
TP Mazembe’s decision to name Traore in their squad for Tuesday’s match against FC Tanganyika appears to contravene FIFA regulations, given the player’s registration with Swehli.
TP Mazembe has been approached for comment but has not responded at the time of publication.
This developing story highlights the complexities and potential abuses in football’s transfer system, particularly in African football.
