Olimpija Ljubljana Faces Transfer Ban Over Unpaid Player Dues
Translated from Slovenian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Slovenian football club Olimpija Ljubljana has been fined 3,000 euros and banned from registering new players for one transfer window by the Football Association of Slovenia (NZS).
- The sanctions stem from Olimpija's failure to comply with an arbitration ruling regarding unpaid wages and bonuses owed to former player Mustafa Nukiฤ.
- Club president Adam Delius claims the Nukiฤ issue is resolved, stating the player has received his payment and now owes taxes, but the NZS confirmed the ban remains in place pending appeal, which does not halt the penalty.
Slovenian football club Olimpija Ljubljana faces significant sanctions, including a 3,000 euro fine and a transfer ban, after failing to adhere to an arbitration decision. The Football Association of Slovenia (NZS) imposed the penalties following the club's non-compliance with a ruling concerning former player Mustafa Nukiฤ.
The dispute centers on unpaid wages and European competition bonuses allegedly owed to Nukiฤ. The players' union, Spins, which provided Nukiฤ with legal assistance, initiated the disciplinary proceedings. An arbitration panel at the NZS ruled on February 6, 2026, that Olimpija must pay Nukiฤ all outstanding amounts until his contract's expiration.
The correct information is that the current decision can be appealed within three days. This will lead to a decision with a deadline for payment. This process can take several weeks.
While the NZS confirmed the transfer ban, Olimpija has the option to appeal the decision within three days. Club president Adam Delius assured fans that the matter with Nukiฤ is settled, asserting that the player has been paid and now has tax obligations. Delius stated that the arbitration decision is being appealed, which could lead to a payment deadline and potentially extend the process for several weeks.
Despite Delius's claims of resolution, the NZS clarified that any appeal does not suspend the current sanctions. The club is also reportedly close to announcing a new coach, with Miลกa Breฤko frequently mentioned in Slovenian media.
To the disappointment of Olimpija's enemies, I can inform you that the issue of Mustafa Nukiฤ is resolved. He should have already received the payment in his account, and the tax office will be satisfied when he pays his tax obligations. Olimpija has therefore acknowledged and paid its obligations to Mustafa Nukiฤ. Nukiฤ now owes money to the tax office.
Originally published by Delo in Slovenian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.