Persib Bandung: FIFA lifts player registration ban

FIFA has permanently lifted the registration ban imposed on Persib Bandung. The sanction, which prevented the club from registering new players for three transfer windows, stemmed from a 2022 contractual dispute involving former coach Robert Rene Alberts.

Following a formal letter from FIFA dated August 11, 2026, the governing body confirmed that the case is closed after Persib completed all required payments to Alberts. FIFA has also requested that PSSI revoke any corresponding national-level restrictions.

In separate continental football news, Ratchaburi FC has qualified for the 2026-2027 AFC Champions League Elite. The expansion of the tournament from 24 to 32 clubs has increased the quota for several nations, including Thailand, which now holds three automatic group stage slots alongside Buriram United and Port FC. Additionally, Persib Bandung has been placed in Pot 4 of the AFC Champions League 2 2026-2027 Eastern Zone drawing.