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

Macarthur FC have been hit with a transfer ban until they pay former head coach more than £100,000 in compensation.

The legend took over at Macarthur in July 2022 and guided them to victory in the Cup final. However, he was sacked in January 2023 after an explosive dressing room ran following a 1-0 defeat to Adelaide United.

Yorke branded his Macarthur a "pub team" claimed the club was "run by muppets". After leaving the club in the wake of the rant, Yorke took Macarthur to a FIFA tribunal and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

They ruled that Yorke had been sacked without just cause and that Macarthur needed to pay him A$212,500 (£109,000) in compensation. And FIFA have now banned Macarthur from making any new signings until midway through 2026, unless they pay up.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

In a statement, Macarthur said: "The club is not concerned of the immediate effect of FIFA's decision and is exploring further legal avenues available. The club is confident the matter will be resolved between now and January 2025. The club will be making no further comment on the matter."

Chief executive Sam Krslovic also told AAP: "This transfer ban is a non-event. We're in the process of resolving this issue by the start of the January transfer window. The club is currently exploring its legal options in regards to defamation following stories and interviews which have stemmed from the event."

Yorke, meanwhile, said in a statement: "I have maintained dignity throughout this and will continue to do so. 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."

His lawyer, Greg Griffin, added: "I believe it's in the interests of the game to fix it up and we can move on. All we are asking for is for them to respect the decisions of FIFA and CAS. At the moment the money is transferred there'll be a lift of a transfer ban and we will co-operate fully with them to do so."

Yorke has previously opened up about the incident in an interview with last year, stating: "There were other incidents that built up but what happened on that final day was the tipping point. I don't deny saying the club was like a mickey mouse slash pub team but that was not about my players.

"That was about the hierarchy in terms of how they run the team. I've never once criticised this club. Even though I had a rant in the dressing room, I was just being honest because it's no secret it's being run like a pub team. The hierarchy just couldn't take the truth."

and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our