Prince Chese
Former Highlanders FC head coach Pieter De Jong has filed a formal case against the Bulawayo giants with FIFA, citing unpaid contractual obligations following his departure at the end of the 2025 season.
According to Soccer24, the Dutch tactician said the matter is now before world football’s governing body.
“I can confirm that I have officially filed a case against Highlanders with FIFA. The proceedings are currently being handled through the FIFA Legal Portal,” De Jong said.
De Jong spent six months in charge of Bosso in 2025, a period during which he helped the club avoid relegation after a difficult start to the campaign. His contract expired in December, but outstanding financial issues between the two parties have remained unresolved, prompting the former coach to seek legal recourse.
The case adds to growing scrutiny over contractual compliance involving clubs in the region, as FIFA continues to enforce strict regulations on player and coach remuneration.
In a related development underscoring FIFA’s hardline stance, Malawian giants FCB Nyasa Big Bullets has recently banned from registering new players for the next three seasons over a contract dispute involving Zimbabwean forward Ronald Chitiyo.
FIFA ordered the club to pay the player US$15,200 for his salary arrears plus six percent interest from 2 January until the date of effective payment, with the amount due within 45 days.
The club began processing the payment on January 12 and confirmed that the funds had been received by Chitiyo’s representatives by January 14, 2026.