Former Gor Mahia striker Benson Omala finds himself in the midst of a standoff with Lebanese club Al-Safa over a payment dispute, leaving his future at the club uncertain. Omala, who moved to the Middle East just last month, returned to Kenya after only a few weeks, with sources close to him describing the situation as a “fishy deal.”
Omala’s transfer to Al-Safa initially seemed promising. The player even featured in a friendly match, scoring a goal that sparked hope for a successful stint with the Lebanese club. However, his return to Kenya soon after raised questions about his contract and future with Al-Safa, leading to an ongoing standoff between the two parties.
Controversial Transfer Deal
According to sources close to Omala, the striker’s return to Kenya was influenced by multiple factors, with security concerns in war-torn Lebanon being one of the primary reasons for his departure. “He is back here because of a number of issues, one of them is the war in Lebanon, which we are not comfortable with,” a source revealed to Pulse Sports. However, it quickly became clear that safety concerns were not the only issue.
At the center of the dispute is the matter of Omala’s signing-on fee, which was promised to him as part of his contract with Al-Safa. The player was assured that the payment would be credited to his account within a day of signing, but the money never arrived. “The people who took him there lied to him. They claimed he would be paid a signing-on fee with the money to hit his account after one day, but that did not happen,” the source added.
Standoff Over Payment
The failure to deliver the signing-on fee has led to a standoff between Omala and Al-Safa. Omala has demanded that the club honor its financial obligation before he considers returning to Lebanon, while Al-Safa has taken a firm stance, insisting that the striker must return to the club first before the payment is made.
This disagreement has left Omala stranded in Kenya, with no immediate resolution in sight. Al-Safa has escalated the situation, threatening to take legal action against Omala for breach of contract. The club is reportedly considering filing a complaint with FIFA if the player continues to refuse to return to Lebanon.
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Possible Legal Action
Al-Safa is preparing to begin their season with a home match against Racing Beirut, and they had hoped to have Omala available for selection. However, with the payment dispute still unresolved, it seems unlikely that the former Gor Mahia forward will feature in the squad for the opening game. Omala, on his part, remains firm in his stance that he will not return to Lebanon until the financial issues are resolved.
The standoff has left both sides at an impasse. Al-Safa is eager to get Omala back on the pitch, but their refusal to meet his demands has deepened the conflict. Omala’s insistence on receiving his signing-on fee before returning to the Middle East raises concerns about the future of his career at the club.
Omala’s Future in Limbo
As the standoff continues, Omala’s future remains uncertain. While the striker is currently holding out for his payment, sources close to him have hinted that he may have a change of heart if Al-Safa resolves the financial dispute. His father previously revealed that Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat played a significant role in facilitating the transfer to Lebanon, which adds another layer to the situation. There is hope that Firat’s involvement could help broker a resolution that would see Omala return to the club and resume his football career.
For now, Omala remains in Kenya, awaiting a breakthrough in the negotiations. The ongoing standoff with Al-Safa serves as a reminder of the potential challenges that footballers can face when transferring to foreign clubs, particularly in regions with unstable political climates or financial uncertainties. The outcome of this dispute will not only determine Omala’s immediate future but could also shape the next phase of his promising career.
Whether Omala returns to Lebanon to fulfill his contract with Al-Safa or seeks opportunities elsewhere, the resolution of this dispute is crucial for the next steps in his career. In the meantime, both the player and the club remain at odds, and the football world will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds.
