Coach Pieter De Jongh Takes Highlanders FC to FIFA Over Prize Money and Medical Expenses
Highlanders Football Club have once again been reported to FIFA, this time by former head coach Pieter De Jongh, in a financial dispute that has been formally registered on the FIFA Legal Portal.
The case revives ongoing concerns around the Bulawayo-based club’s contractual relationships with foreign coaches, an issue that has surfaced repeatedly in recent years.
Coach Demands Share of Prize Money
De Jongh, who is currently based in Kenya, confirmed that legal proceedings were initiated on Wednesday night through his lawyer. The Dutch coach is demanding five percent of Highlanders’ prize money earnings from domestic competitions, including the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League and the Chibuku Super Cup.
He maintains that the entitlement is explicitly stated in his contract and is not subject to internal club policies or interpretation.
Contract Terms at Centre of Dispute
According to De Jongh, Highlanders attempted to apply their long-standing internal prize money structure, which allocates 60 percent to the club and 40 percent to players. He argues that this framework does not apply to him and was never part of his contractual agreement.
The former coach says he made several written requests for payment but was informed that he would be treated under the same policy used for players — a position he firmly rejected.
Legal Team Takes Over Matter
De Jongh revealed that the matter is now being handled by his lawyer, Elvis Wanyami, who has previously represented him in contractual disputes in other African leagues. After issuing a warning to the club last week, De Jongh followed through on his threat to escalate the matter when no settlement was reached.
With the case now active, the matter will be determined through FIFA’s legal channels.
Medical Bills Also Unpaid
Beyond prize money, De Jongh is also seeking reimbursement for medical expenses incurred in December while he was still officially under contract. He says he fell ill days before his contract expired and required medical attention, costs he believes the club is obligated to cover.
His contract, he insists, remained valid until the end of December, making the club responsible for those expenses.
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