FIFA transfer bans on Brazilian clubs – updates

In early July 2026 FIFA imposed a transfer ban on Santos FC after the club failed to settle a €2.032 million debt to AS Monaco for midfielder Jean Lucas. The sanction blocks Santos from registering new players for up to three transfer windows. Santos’ board said it will rely on expected receivables of more than R$175 million and promote youth‑academy players, of which 11 featured in the last match before the season pause.

Later that month FIFA also banned São Paulo FC because the club had not paid the first €1 million installment of a €4 million fee owed to Italy’s Lazio for midfielder Marcos Antônio. The ban prevented registration of recent signings such as right‑back Aurélio Buta, forward Victor Sá and defender Domingos Duarte, leaving only midfielder Newton eligible for upcoming fixtures.

On 5 August 2026 São Paulo announced it had paid the €1.05 million installment to Lazio and requested FIFA lift the ban. The removal is expected within days, allowing the club to register Duarte, left‑back Iago and other players already training with the squad. The episode prompted former market executive Diego Fernandes to criticize the club’s governance, linking the ban to broader management issues.

Both clubs remain under pressure to resolve outstanding debts while FIFA continues to enforce strict compliance with transfer‑fee obligations.