GILLINGHAM striker Guy Ipoua believes his world ban will be lifted in time for him to be available for Wednesday's opening friendly against Kingstonian.

FIFA, football’s governing body, imposed the ban after finding Ipoua guilty of failing to pay former agent Mark Steele £10,000. At the hearing in Switzerland, the striker was also fined £875 by FIFA and ordered to pay £425 in costs.

Hessenthaler has threatened to fine Ipoua unless he pays up. “I would expect things to be settled before next week's friendly against Kingstonian and certainly before the start of the league season,” said Ipoua.