Former Gor Mahia striker Benson Omala remains in Kenya as he seeks specific guarantees from Lebanese club Al-Safa before considering a return to the Middle East.
Omala’s transfer to Al-Safa has been mired in controversy after he failed to return to Lebanon following the international break. Sources close to the player have described the deal as questionable, leading to his departure from Lebanon just weeks after joining the club.
Omala signed with Al-Safa early last month and even featured in a friendly match, where he scored. However, shortly after, he returned to Kenya. “He came back because of several concerns, one of which is the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, which we are not comfortable with,” a source close to the player told Pulse Sports.
Another major issue revolves around the signing-on fee. Those who facilitated Omala’s move allegedly promised that the payment would be transferred to his account within a day of signing, but that never happened.
The unresolved signing-on fee is the main reason Omala remains in Kenya, as he demands the payment before considering a return to Lebanon. However, Al-Safa insists that the player must return to the club before receiving his payment, creating a standoff between the two parties.
Al-Safa has now threatened to take the case to FIFA, accusing Omala of breaching his contract.
The club begins their season with a home match against Racing Beirut on Saturday, and they are keen to have Omala in the squad before kickoff. Although Omala has expressed disappointment with the deal and is hesitant to return to Lebanon, he may reconsider if the payment dispute is resolved.
