Fifa says Kaluyituka is free to play in Qatar

Alain Dioko Kaluyituka gained international standing when starring for Mazembe at the 2010 Fifa Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi

DR Congo striker Alain Kaluyituka is free to play for Qatar's Al Ahli, world governing body Fifa has ruled.

The striker's career had been in limbo as negotiations between his Congolese side TP Mazembe and Al Ahli broke down.

The row peaked when Kaluyituka failed to attend a DR Congo friendly in August because Al Ahli reportedly refused to release his passport.

"We agree to abide by the Fifa ruling to let him go on with his career," said Mazembe official Ngoy Sendwe.

Fifa has stated that the player's career should not be put on hold because of the clubs' disagreements, according to the Congolese federation's Secretary General Ediba Elonga.

It is sad to see a player that we've invested in and who became rich leaves us in such circumstances

Their dispute surrounded the question of a suitable compensation to Mazembe for the player.

On 6 September, Fifa's Players' Status Committee authorised the Qatari FA to provisionally register Kaluyituka for Al Ahli - labelling it a 'provisional measure subject to and without prejudice to a potential decision'.

Mazembe's executive secretary, Ngoy Sendwe, clarified that the striker's freedom to play is temporary as the two clubs are still discussing figures.

"What we are claiming from Al Ahli is to pay us enough compensation as we invested a lot in making the player what he is now," Sendwe told BBC Sport.

"As our president is in Europe, we are expecting him to meet the Al Ahli chairman and find a solution to the matter."

Kaluyituka joined Mazembe from Congolese rivals AS Vita club at the end of 2006.

Kaluyituka then became a key player in Mazembe's African Champions League victories in both 2009 and 2010.

In December 2010, he scored crucial goals as the Congolese stunned Brazil's Internacional to become the first African team to reach the Fifa Club World Cup final.

Despite defeat to Italians Inter in the final, Kaluyituka was named as the second best player at the Abu Dhabi tournament.

"It is sad to see a player that we've invested in and who became rich leaves us in such circumstances," added Sendwe.