FIFA has recently announced that Persija Jakarta, a team in Liga 1 Indonesia, has been issued a three-transfer window registration ban, along with three other Indonesian clubs. The official list of sanctioned clubs, as posted on FIFA’s website, also includes Persiwa Wamena, Persiraja Banda Aceh, Persikab Kabupaten Bandung, and Sada Sumut FC.
These sanctions prohibit the mentioned clubs from registering new players for the next three transfer windows and from signing any players during this time. While FIFA did not specify the reasons behind the sanctions, there is speculation that long-standing financial issues may have been a contributing factor.
One potential reason for Persija’s ban could be the club’s known financial dispute with Marko Simic, the Croatian striker who accused the club’s management of non-payment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Persiraja faced financial challenges after their relegation from Liga 1 in 2022, coupled with changes in club leadership.
Persikab’s financial struggles during the pandemic, along with reports of unpaid players despite denials from the club’s management, may have led to their sanctions. The financial situation of Sada Sumut, the fifth club on the list, is currently unknown.
Persiwa has been dealing with financial issues since the mid to late 2010s, resulting in a merger with an amateur side and a prolonged hiatus.
In response to the bans, both Persija and Persikab have expressed their commitment to resolving the issues that led to the sanctions, while Persiraja is awaiting the decision of the Football Federation of Indonesia (PSSI) on the matter.
The list of sanctioned clubs also includes several notable Southeast Asian teams, defunct clubs such as Global FC (Philippines), Than Quang Ninh (Vietnam), and Melaka United (Malaysia), as well as crisis clubs Kelantan FC and Sarawak United from Malaysia, and Malaysian teams Kedah Darul Aman and Kuala Lumpur City FC.
Additionally, the list features other well-known names, including Hyderabad FC (India), Esteghlal FC (Iran), Bunyodkor FC (Uzbekistan), Qadsia SC (Kuwait), and several Chinese clubs that have ceased operations.
FIFA’s revelation of these sanctions serves as a reminder of the importance of financial stability and responsibility in the football world. The impact of these bans will undoubtedly be felt by the affected clubs, making it essential for them to address their financial issues and ensure sustainable management practices to avoid future sanctions.
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