FIFA issue ban after Man Utd legend sacked over ‘pub team’ and ‘run by muppets’ rant

FIFA has prohibited Australian club Macarthur FC from making moves until it pays Manchester United icon Dwight Yorke the money he is entitled after winning an unjust dismissal lawsuit.

Macarthur FC has received a FIFA transfer restriction unless they pay former head coach Dwight Yorke more than £100,000 in compensation.

The Manchester United veteran took over at Macarthur in July 2022, leading them to win in the Australia Cup final. However, he was fired in January 2023 after an intense locker room brawl following a 1-0 loss to Adelaide United.

Yorke referred to Macarthur as a “pub team” and stated the club was “run by muppets”. After quitting the club following the rant, Yorke brought Macarthur to a FIFA tribunal and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

They determined that Yorke had been fired without reasonable cause and that Macarthur was required to pay him A$212,500 (£109,000) in compensation. FIFA has now barred Macarthur from making any new signings until the middle of 2026, unless they pay up.

In a statement, Macarthur said: “The club is not concerned about the immediate impact of FIFA’s decision and is investigating other legal options. The club is sure that the issue will be resolved between now and January 2025. The club will make no more comments on the situation.

Chief executive Sam Krslovic also told AAP that the transfer embargo is a non-event. We are working to resolve this issue by the beginning of the January transfer window. The club is presently investigating its legal possibilities for defamation in response to reports and interviews arising from the occurrence.”

Yorke, meanwhile, stated in a statement, “I have maintained my dignity throughout this and will continue to do so.” FIFA and CAS ruled in my favour. I’m now expecting my settlement. I wish the players, fans, and the club all the best.”

His lawyer, Greg Griffin, added: “I feel it is in the best interests of the game to resolve the situation so that we can go on. All we want is that they follow the judgments of FIFA and CAS. When the money is transferred, the transfer prohibition will be lifted, and we will completely cooperate with them in doing so.”

Yorke previously spoke up about the event in an interview with News Corp last year, saying: “There were other incidences that piled up, but what occurred on that last day was the tipping point. I won’t dispute that the club was like a Mickey Mouse slash pub team, but it wasn’t about my guys.

“That was about the hierarchy and how they ran the squad. I’ve never criticised this club. Even though I had a rage in the locker room, I was only being honest since it’s no secret that it’s operated like a pub team. The hierarchy couldn’t handle the reality.”