Rwandan club APR FC may face serious legal trouble after Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars announced plans to file a complaint with FIFA over a contract dispute involving Burkinabè midfielder Memel Raouf Dao.
The 21-year-old signed a three-year contract with Singida Black Stars on June 14, 2025, according to both the club’s management and the player’s agent, Salome Compaoré.
However, just five days later, APR FC also announced they had signed the same player on a two-year deal.
Singida Black Stars maintain they hold the legally binding contract, supported by valid documentation, and insist that FIFA should intervene to investigate and issue a ruling.
The player’s agent, Salome Compaoré, denied any involvement in talks leading to Dao’s alleged deal with APR FC.
She said: “I saw photos of him signing with APR FC, but I’m not aware of that. As far as I know, he signed with Singida Black Stars, and I have no information beyond that.”
This situation highlights a serious contract confusion, prompting the possibility of a formal investigation to determine which club legally owns the player’s rights.
Singida Black Stars may push FIFA to sanction APR FC if found guilty of violating international transfer rules. The player himself could also face consequences if it’s proven that he signed with two clubs illegally.
APR FC had introduced Dao as a new recruit to strengthen their attacking midfield ahead of the upcoming season, with Rwandan media portraying him as a key addition for both domestic and continental competitions.
Such disputes in the football transfer market are not new and often require FIFA’s arbitration to protect the interests of both clubs and players, and to maintain regulatory clarity in global football.
