- Macarthur FC must pay Dwight Yorke $300,000 in damages
- Follows ruling of the Court of Arbitration for Sport
Controversial A-League club Macarthur FC won’t be able to sign new players until mid-2026 until they pay former coach Dwight Yorke almost $300,000 in compensation.
The outcome of the bomb follows the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) last month upheld a decision by the FIFA Players’ Status Chamber (PSC) which found that the club had breached the parties’ contract and dismissed Yorke without just cause in January 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 that Yorke had damaged the club’s reputation after calling his side a ‘pub team’ following a then 1-0 defeat to Adelaide.
The former Red Devils striker then filed a counterclaim against Macarthur’s appeal to have the remainder of his lucrative contract – worth $800,000 – paid out, but this was rejected.
Under the imposed ban, Macarthur – winners of last month’s Australia Cup final – cannot recruit new faces and give emerging Aussie stars a big shot until the A-League transfer window in mid-2026.
The ban will be lifted once the six-figure payment is made.
The head of FIFA’s disciplinary department, Américo Espallargas, said this Sydney Morning Herald it appears the club – which also sacked three players last year accused of involvement in a betting scandal during A-League matches – has failed to meet its financial obligations to Yorke.
A-League club Macarthur FC won’t be able to sign new players until mid-2026 until they pay ex-coach Dwight Yorke (pictured) almost $300,000 in compensation
The outcome follows a ruling that the club dismissed Yorke (pictured playing for Manchester United) without just cause in January 2023.
In the twilight of his career, Yorke signed for Sydney FC as their marquee player and won the A-League grand final in March 2006.
“I have maintained my dignity throughout and will continue to do so,” Yorke said through his lawyer Greg Griffin.
‘FIFA and CAS have decided in my favour. As of now, I’m waiting for my settlement.
‘I wish the players, the supporters and the club all the best.’
According to Espallargas’ letter from FIFA, Football Australia is obliged to implement the ban on the club.
Macarthur CEO Sam Krslović 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 (the UEFA Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup) in his first season at Old Trafford, where his partnership with Andy Cole was legendary.
In the twilight of his career, Yorke signed for Sydney FC as their marquee player and won the A-League grand final in March 2006.
After retiring in 2009, Yorke turned his attention to coaching.
