FIFA recently announced that Persija Jakarta, along with three other Indonesian clubs, has been handed a registration ban for three transfer windows. This restriction means that the clubs are not allowed to sign any new players for the next three transfer windows.
Other than Persija, the clubs facing registration bans include Persiwa Wamena, Persiraja Banda Aceh, Persikab Kabupaten Bandung, and Sada Sumut FC. The reasons behind the bans are not officially disclosed, but it is speculated that long-standing financial issues may have led to FIFA’s decision.
Persija Jakarta has been embroiled in a financial dispute with Marko Simic, a striker who has accused the club’s management of failing to pay him for a year during the COVID-19 pandemic. As for Persiraja, the club faced financial issues after being relegated from the Liga 1 in 2022. Similarly, Persikab also struggled with financial problems during the pandemic, with players reportedly going unpaid for months.
The situation with Sada Sumut FC’s inclusion in the ban remains unknown, while Persiwa has been grappling with financial issues since the mid to late 2010s. Despite the challenges, Persija and Persikab have expressed their commitment to resolving the issues leading to their registration bans, while Persiraja is awaiting a decision from the Football Federation of Indonesia (PSSI).
Other Southeast Asian teams that were sanctioned by FIFA include Global FC (Philippines), Than Quang Ninh (Vietnam), Melaka United (Malaysia), Perlis FA (Malaysia), Muangkan United (Thailand), Ubon United (Thailand), and Udon Thani FC (Thailand), among others. Notable names from other regions such as Hyderabad FC (India), Esteghlal FC (Iran), Bunyodkor FC (Uzbekistan), and several clubs from Saudi Arabia and China were also on the list.
The registration bans serve as a reminder of the importance of financial stability in football clubs. It is crucial for clubs to manage their finances responsibly to avoid such sanctions from governing bodies like FIFA. These bans have far-reaching implications, impacting the ability of these clubs to strengthen their squads and remain competitive in their respective leagues.
As the affected clubs work to address their financial issues and comply with FIFA’s regulations, the broader football community will be closely following the developments. The hope is that these clubs can overcome their challenges and emerge stronger, both financially and competitively, in the future.
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