A-League side Macarthur FC have been stung with a FIFA-imposed transfer ban after being branded a “pub team” that is “run by muppets” by Dwight Yorke.

The former Manchester United striker, who helped the Red Devils to Treble glory in 1999, was relieved of his services as head coach at Macarthur in January 2023. He is yet to receive financial compensation after seeing his contract torn up.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has upheld an unfair dismissal claim from the ex-Trinidad and Tobago international, with FIFA having already ruled in his favour. Yorke is due a payment of A$212,500 ($143,000), plus interest.

Until said funds are made available, Macarthur have been hit with a recruitment embargo. The Sydney-based outfit are, however, adamant that they did nothing wrong – with Yorke’s now infamous dressing room rant leading to a parting of ways.

Macarthur have said in response to discovering that they are being prevented from registering new players as a long-running saga involving Yorke drags on: "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."

Macarthur are due to open their fifth A-League campaign against Perth Glory on October 20. It remains to be seen what happens in their case with Yorke, as they remain adamant that a tirade from the one-time United striker constitutes “gross insubordination” and can be used as grounds for dismissal.