FIFA announced on Thursday that Al Nassr, a Saudi Pro League team, has been prohibited from enlisting new players due to unpaid debts.
This followed a verdict in October 2021, where a FIFA-appointed judge ordered Al Nassr to pay Leicester City $514,000 plus interest over a dispute regarding the transfer of Nigerian player Ahmed Musa.
Musa, who played 62 matches and scored 14 goals for Al Nassr before departing in 2020, was with Turkey’s Sivasspor in the previous season. “Al Nassr is presently restricted from adding new players owing to unsettled debts,” stated a representative from FIFA.
“Once the concerned creditors confirm debt repayment, the relevant restrictions will be removed immediately.”
In the last season, Al Nassr finished second in the league, boosted by the signing of Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo in January.
Earlier this month, they also signed Croatian midfielder Marcelo Brozovic from Inter Milan. Following Ronaldo’s shift, several big names have joined in as the Saudi kingdom aspires to make the Saudi Pro League one of the best globally.
However, the club’s transfer activity is currently under a ban imposed by FIFA. There has been no indication from the governing body whether this sanction will impact Brozovic’s recent transfer.
Last week, Al Ahli signed Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino, and former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard became the coach at Al Ettifaq. Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante, among other renowned players, have also signed with Saudi clubs.
