FIFA has officially removed Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr from its list of clubs banned from registering new players, following the Riyadh-based club's swift action in settling outstanding payments owed to Manchester City. The €9 million transfer fee, representing the remaining portion of the deal for Spanish international defender Aymeric Laporte, has been transferred, thus definitively resolving this complex issue and preventing any administrative sanctions that could have impacted the team's performance.
Details of the crisis and a quick solution
The issue stems from a formal complaint filed by Manchester City with FIFA, demanding payment of the outstanding amount due on August 31st. Due to the delayed payment, FIFA issued a routine disciplinary ruling banning Al-Nassr from registering new players for a full transfer window, a standard procedure to safeguard clubs' rights. However, Al-Nassr's management promptly complied with the ruling and settled the amount in full, automatically lifting the ban upon receipt of the payment notification.
The Laporte deal and its technical significance
Aymeric Laporte has been a cornerstone of Al-Nassr's project since joining the team last summer from treble-winning Manchester City. This financial settlement underscores the Saudi club's commitment to fulfilling its obligations to international clubs, especially given the recent high-profile signings by Saudi clubs, which have brought the Saudi Professional League into the global spotlight.
The administrative and sporting impact of lifting the suspension
Lifting the ban is a vital step for Al-Nassr, granting the management complete freedom to act during the current winter transfer window and future transfer windows to strengthen the team's ranks if needed. Resolving this issue also enhances the administrative stability of the team, which is competing strongly on all fronts, both domestically in the Saudi Professional League and the King's Cup, and continentally in the AFC Champions League.
This swift move reflects the commitment of Saudi clubs to international regulations and Financial Fair Play rules, enhancing the reputation of Saudi sports in international forums, and confirming that the current sports boom is accompanied by high-level administrative professionalism that ensures the sustainability of success and avoids point deductions or severe penalties.
