Embattled A-League club Macarthur FC won’t be able to sign any new players until halfway through 2026 until they pay ex-coach Dwight Yorke almost $300,000 in compensation.
The bombshell outcome follows the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) last month upholding a FIFA Players’ Status Chamber (PSC) decision that showed the club had breached the parties’ contract and sacked Yorke without just cause in January of 2023.
It also comes as Macarthur appealed the PSC’s original decision, handed down in June last year, to award Yorke the compensation.
They argued Yorke had damaged the club’s reputation after labelling his squad a ‘pub team’ following a 1-0 defeat against Adelaide at the time.
The former Red Devils striker then lodged a counterclaim against Macarthur’s appeal to have the remainder of his lucrative contract – said to be worth $800,000 – paid out, but it was dismissed.
Under the enforced ban, Macarthur – winners of the Australia Cup final last month – can’t recruit any new faces and give rising Aussie stars a chance in the big time until the A-League’s mid-2026 pre-season transfer window.
The ban will be lifted once the six-figure payment is made.
FIFA’s head of disciplinary, Américo Espallargas, told the Sydney Morning Herald it appears the club – who also stood down three players last year who are accused of involvement in a betting scandal during A-League matches – has failed in meeting its financial obligations to Yorke.
A-League club Macarthur FC won’t be able to sign any new players until halfway through 2026 until they pay ex-coach Dwight Yorke (pictured) almost $300,000 in compensation
The outcome follows a ruling that the club sacked Yorke (pictured playing for Manchester United) without just cause in January 2023
In the twilight of his career, Yorke signed with Sydney FC as their marquee player, and won the A-League grand final in March of 2006
‘I have maintained dignity throughout this and will continue to do so,’ Yorke said via his lawyer, Greg Griffin.
‘FIFA and CAS have found in my favour. As of now, I’m awaiting my settlement.
‘I wish the players, the supporters and the club all the best.’
According to Espallargas’ letter from FIFA, Football Australia is required to implement the ban on the club.
Macarthur CEO Sam Krslovic declined to comment.
Yorke, 52, made his name at Aston Villa before moving to Manchester United ahead of the 1998-99 season.
He won the treble – UEFA Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup – in his first season at Old Trafford, where his partnership up front with Andy Cole was legendary.
In the twilight of his career, Yorke signed with Sydney FC as their marquee player, and won the A-League grand final in March of 2006.
After retiring in 2009, Yorke turned his attention to coaching.
