Following recent reports regarding youngster Tsegab Gizaw and winger Temesgen Birhanu’s transfer to St. George (Kidus Giorgis), Hadiya Hossana’s General Manager Abate Tesfaye has raised formal legal objections concerning the transfers of both players.
According to Mr. Abate, Tsegab Gizaw remains legally bound to Hadiya Hossana. Citing Ethiopian Football Federation regulations on youth player development, he explained that when a player transitions to the senior squad on a permanent basis, they are obligated to serve the club that developed them for three years. He specifically pointed to Article 18, Sub-article 18.1.4, which states that any player aged 18 or older selected by their parent club must play for that club for a three-year period. Hadiya Hossana is formally demanding that this regulation be upheld.
The manager clarified that Tsegab served three years in the youth setup under a special ID (Yellow Tesera) and signed a special youth contract rather than a standard professional contract (Green Tesera). Under the federation’s rules, this obligates the player to remain with Hadiya Hossana. Mr. Abate recalled a similar case involving player Yared Bekele, who had departed for Sheger Ketema; Hadiya Hossana successfully challenged the move and brought the player back under the exact same clause. The club has reassured the player of his standing in the squad while pushing to enforce its rights.
Similarly, Mr. Abate addressed the situation surrounding Temesgen Birhanu. Temesgen has served two years under a standard permanent contract (Yellow Tesera), leaving one year remaining on his agreement. Hadiya Hossana confirmed it is preparing a comprehensive legal submission to the Ethiopian Football Federation to protect the club’s rights and enforce the remaining contractual obligations for both players.
