Fifa slams athletic club with sweeping transfer freeze until 2028
FIFA has imposed a three window transfer ban on Athletic Club, preventing the Spanish team from registering new players until January 2028. According to Ghana Media, in a report by Bismarck Obeng published on February 13, 2026, the sanction follows multiple violations of football regulations.
The world governing body confirmed that although Athletic Club may continue negotiating contracts, any incoming players will not be eligible for official registration during the suspension period. That restriction applies to both domestic competitions such as La Liga and international tournaments governed by UEFA.
Immediate impact on the squad
The timing of the punishment presents a significant sporting challenge. Without access to the transfer market for three consecutive windows, the club will be forced to rely heavily on its current roster and youth academy prospects. Depth management, injury replacements, and tactical reinforcements will now depend on internal development rather than external recruitment.
Transfer bans of this scale are typically linked to breaches involving player registration processes, financial oversight rules, or international transfer compliance. While specific details of Athletic Club’s violations have not been publicly outlined in full, such sanctions are considered among the more serious disciplinary measures available to FIFA.
Read also: Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao set for explosive Las Vegas rematch
Legal options and competitive consequences
Clubs facing disciplinary action from FIFA often have the right to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. It remains unclear whether Athletic Club intends to challenge the ruling. An appeal could potentially delay or reduce the sanction, depending on the legal assessment of the case.
In the meantime, the club’s competitive outlook will depend on stability within the existing squad and the performance of emerging talent. For supporters and league rivals alike, the decision introduces uncertainty into the next several transfer cycles and may influence the balance of competition in Spain.
Sources: Ghana Media
Read also: Bad news for Manchester United star: Six-month driving ban
Read also: Zinedine Zidane Highlights British Star Who Would Have Benched Him
