Frustrated Benson Omala Demands Sign-On Fees from Lebanese Club, Turns to FIFA for Resolution

Harambee Stars striker Benson Omala has written to FIFA to explain the conditions to be met before returning to Lebanese top-tier side Al Safa Sporting.

Omala hasn't returned to the club since the conclusion of the September FIFA international break where he was involved in Stars 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against; Zimbabwe and Namibia.

His decision to hang around Nairobi after the window caught many by surprise considering that he joined the club last month from Kenyan champions Gor Mahia.

Omala raised eyebrows last month after cutting ties with Gor for the little-known Safa, who are understood to have offered him a year-long contract.

What left many surprised was the fact that he had achieved a lot in his final two seasons at Gor to join the Lebanese league which many Kenyans don't consider competitive.

Early signs of cracks in their marriage were first reported during the international break where Omala arrived in Kenya way earlier than the rest amid rumours that he was not willing to return to Lebanon. 

Omala will only travel to Lebanon upon receiving sign-on fees

After the break, Omala kept a low profile in Nairobi until earlier in the week when it was confirmed that indeed he had not resumed club duties.

His father Peter Oluoch revealed that his son will only board the plan once his sign-on fees hit the account.

Oluoch disclosed that Omala was yet to receive a coin, from the move to Safa, contract to the promises the club made before he traveled to seal the deal. 

He said, Omala was to get his sign-on fees soon after landing in Beirut but was taken in circles upon demanding what was agreed on and captured in the contract. 

Family turns to FIFA 

With reports emerging that Safa was mulling taking the case to FIFA, Oluoch revealed that the family had also relayed its stance to the governing body.

It however remains unclear on which channel the family used to write to Zurich given that the body largely communicates through member associations. 

It also remains uncertain whether Safa met the end of the bargain only for a third party to hold on to what is rightfully owed to the player. 

"We have written to FIFA with the intention of having the club and everyone else who was involved to release the money to Omala," said Oluoch. 

Besides unlocking the sign-on fee debacle, Oluoch wants Safa to reimburse Omala for airfare used from Nairobi to Lebanon.

“He used his own money to travel from Nairobi to Beirut. They had promised to reimburse the money but they are still taking him in circles. We thank the national team for providing his return ticket to Nairobi," he opened up.