GILLINGHAM striker Guy Ipoua has sensationally been given a world ban by FIFA.

It was imposed by football’s governing body on Wednesday after Ipoua was found guilty of failing to pay former agent Mark Steele for work done when he was a client of his.

Ipoua, 26, was banned until he pays £10,000 to Steele, with a fine of £875 and a further £425 in costs. The amount totals £11,300.

Steele, from Cambridge, brought Ipoua to book under new FIFA regulations and it has made an example of him. But he said he hoped that this was the end of the matter.

Steele said: “I didn’t want it to go as far as it has but for whatever reason, Guy has decided to take certain decisions. He could have put this to bed a long time ago but he has decided not to. It’s been going on for about two and a half years.

“Now he is suspended from any football related activity until the fine is paid. The club will now have to make a decision on what they want to do. I hope it will be sorted out soon because life is too short.”

Gillingham chairman Paul Scally said he was sure the matter would be settled before the players returned for pre-season training.