[REVISION HISTORY]
FIFA transfer bans on South American clubs
Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.
What changed
2026-07-30 15:52 UTC → 2026-08-19 21:29 UTC ·
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In late July 2026, two South American football clubs were confronting FIFA transfer bans imposed for unpaid obligations. Amazonas SAF in Brazil entered a Série C match with six active bans—three time‑bound and three indefinite—remaining in force until the club can prove its debts settled. The sanctions barred any new player registrations ahead of its game against Paysandu. A week later, Ecuador’s Club Sport Emelec reported that after paying two outstanding claims, FIFA lifted two of its seven bans, leaving five restrictions still active. The club faced a narrow window to resolve the remaining claims before the LigaPro transfer deadline on 6 August 2026, meaning it would compete without fresh signings in its upcoming fixtures. On 28 July, Emelec confirmed coach Cristian Nasuti would remain in charge through the season despite recent poor results, addressing a viral video from a defeat to Deportivo Cuenca. The club also announced that right‑back Luis “Teo” Gómez had cleared his medical tests and was expected to sign, but his registration could not be completed while the five FIFA bans remain in effect. Nasuti said the team is targeting two additional reinforcements within the next ten to fifteen days, underscoring the club’s effort to strengthen the squad despite the ongoing transfer restrictions. By mid-August, Emelec’s situation shifted again. Although the club had successfully lifted seven previous prohibitions by 4 August to allow for new reinforcements, FIFA issued two new sanctions on 18 August. These new restrictions, stemming from unpaid wage claims filed by former technical staff Leonel Álvarez and Stefano Álvarez, have imposed a ban on registering new players for three transfer periods.
Versions
- 2026-08-19 21:29 UTC FIFA transfer bans on South American clubs
- 2026-07-30 15:52 UTC FIFA transfer bans on South American clubs
- 2026-07-30 00:34 UTC FIFA transfer bans on South American clubs
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