Burkinabe footballer Memel Dao has found himself at the heart of a transfer controversy. After arriving in Rwanda on Friday evening, the striker signed with APR FC on Sunday, just before being officially unveiled by the club. APR FC hopes the young talent will bolster its attack in the 2025/26 season.
The situation, however, took a sharp turn when allegations surfaced online, suggesting that Dao had already signed an agreement with Tanzania's Singida Black Stars on June 14, 2025. Images and purported documents quickly fueled the speculation.
Reportedly, the alleged Singida contract was worth $150,000 for three years. The deal outlined a monthly salary of $6,000 for Dao in the first two years, with the option to negotiate a salary upgrade in the third year based on his performance.
Adding to the drama, sources claimed that Singida had included a hefty buyout clause of $500,000 should the player choose to terminate the contract prematurely.
Despite the controversy, Memel Dao denied these allegations, asserting to APR FC management that he had not signed any prior agreement before his arrival in Rwanda. APR FC successfully secured his services for two years for $65,000, a much smaller sum compared to the reported Singida deal.
According to Igihe.com, Salomé Wendingoudi Compaore, Dao's representative, voiced disagreement about the unfolding events. She stated she was not informed about APR FC’s negotiations with her client, maintaining that the player had already committed to Singida Black Stars. She said: “I saw his photos wearing the APR jersey circulating online, but I had no involvement in this. As far as I know, Memel Dao signed with Singida; anything else is beyond my knowledge.”
APR FC management, however, shed clarity on their position, stating that they had acquired Memel Dao from Burkina Faso’s AS Sonabel, where he held a contract valid until 2027. Given the player's age—under 23 years—APR FC paid compensation for his upbringing as part of the transfer agreement.
Reports reveal Memel Dao signed with APR FC after alleged prior commitment to Singida Black Stars.
Memel Dao is embroiled in a scandal of allegedly signing with two football clubs simultaneously.