Internacional faces FIFA transfer ban amid financial crisis

Internacional is facing a severe financial and sporting crisis, marked by a second FIFA transfer ban in less than a month. The new sanction prevents the club from registering players for three transfer windows due to unpaid debts related to the signing of defender Ramon from Olympiacos. This follows a previous ban regarding the signing of defender Juninho from Midtjylland.

To address immediate liquidity issues, businessman and club counselor Delcir Sonda donated R$ 20 million. This contribution allowed the club to settle overdue image rights and salaries for players and staff. Despite this infusion, the club remains in a precarious position, with estimates suggesting it needs between R$ 70 million and R$ 150 million to meet all financial obligations and salary requirements through the end of the year.

Political tension is rising within the club as presidential candidates weigh in on the crisis. Roberto Melo, a pre-candidate for the presidency, has suggested that judicial recovery might be a necessary, albeit difficult, path to manage the club's estimated R$ 1 billion debt. Meanwhile, the club struggles on the pitch, currently positioned in the relegation zone of the Brazilian Championship Serie A.