Kurtaj was released from his contract with Thanh Hoa in August 2021, after Vietnam Professional Football JSC (VPF) canceled V. League in the same month. The Kosovan midfielder brought the case to FIFA, claiming Thanh Hoa must pay him until October as the contract stated.
In its latest decision Tuesday, FIFA gave the win to Kurtaj and asked Thanh Hoa to compensate him with $42,000, plus 5 percent in interest until the due day.
The payment must occur within 45 days since the FIFA ruling or Thanh Hoa will be banned from signing new players, domestically and internationally, and receive extra penalties.
Thanh Hoa will have 10 days to appeal.
Kurtaj started the 2021 season with Nam Dinh FC, only playing one game before leaving the club for Thanh Hoa.
Previously, Thanh Hoa had to pay Italian coach Fabio Lopez and his assistant $200,000 after sacking him without contract compensation in 2020. In a similar case, FIFA also ordered Thanh Hoa to compensate Senegalese forward Idrissa Cisse with $58,420.