The International Football Federation has taken a significant step involving Saudi club Al-Nasr, placing a temporary ban on registering new players due to unsettled debts. A FIFA representative confirmed the restriction to athletic media services, underscoring that the club cannot add new players while financial obligations remain unresolved.
FIFA stated that Al-Nasr is currently unable to complete new signings because there are outstanding debts that require resolution. The suspension of transfers will be lifted once the club provides assurances that the owed amounts will be paid in full or that an agreed repayment plan is in place and being honored.
Historical context shows that Al-Nasr was linked to a high-profile transfer involving Nigerian forward Ahmed Musa. Musa joined Leicester City from CSKA Moscow in 2016 and spent two seasons with the Foxes, including a stint on loan to another team before moving to Al-Nasr in 2018. The transfer fee that moved Musa from Leicester to Al-Nasr was reported as €16 million. FIFA has alleged that Al-Nasr did not settle a separate payment of €460,000 to Leicester City, in addition to interest tied to performance-related bonuses, which contributes to the overall debt concerns surrounding the club.
Another development in the Al-Nasr narrative involves the potential signing of Claudinho, a midfielder associated with Zenith. Reports have suggested that Claudinho could continue his career with Al-Nasr, subject to negotiations and regulatory clearances. The ongoing transfer considerations reflect the club’s broader strategy to strengthen its squad while navigating financial compliance conditions set by football authorities.
As the situation evolves, leagues and supporters alike will be watching to see how Al-Nasr resolves the outstanding financial commitments and whether the club can restore its eligibility to register new players. The governing bodies have emphasized that any lifting of the transfer ban will be contingent on verified debt repayments or credible repayment arrangements that meet regulatory standards. In the meantime, Al-Nasr may focus on internal roster management and existing contractual obligations while negotiations continue with potential new signings. This period highlights how financial governance intersects with on-field ambitions, shaping the club’s short-term plans and long-term competitiveness. [Source: FIFA statements and related sports governance reports]