DOVER ATHLETIC have swooped for defender Bondz N’Gala after his move to League One side Gillingham fell through due to FIFA regulations.
N’Gala, 27, had signed for the Gills after leaving Dover’s National League rivals Eastleigh on Deadline Day but he was later told that he would not be able to play for the Kent side.
Because he had already turned out for Barnet in League Two and Eastleigh, he would not be allowed to turn out for a third ‘professional’ club this season.
The big centre-half agreed to rip up his contract and seek football elsewhere, putting Dover on notice as they look to solidify their play-off position.
Dover had discussions with both the Football Association and Football League and got clearance to sign N’Gala, who has put pen to paper on a deal until the end of the season with an option to extend it.
However, he departed the Hampshire club by ‘mutual consent’ on Deadline Day, prompting his ill-fated switch to Gillingham.
He now returns to Non-League, hoping to help Dover improve their recent form which has seen them win just two of their previous eight league games.
A club statement read: “Dover boss Chris Kinnear has bolstered his defence with the signing of former Eastleigh centre back Bondz N’Gala.
“N’Gala, who left Eastleigh by mutual consent on transfer deadline day, did sign for Gillingham last week, but the deal fell through due to FIFA regulations.
“But following discussions between Dover Athletic, the FA and the EFL it was confirmed by the FA’s registrations department that we could go ahead and sign the player.”
