FIFA has banned Al Nassr from registering new players due to their failure to pay Leicester City £390,000 in add-ons owed the English side over the transfer of Ahmed Musa.
Musa joined the Saudi Arabian side on the 4th of August, 2018 from Leicester City for a reported fee of £14 million but they are yet to pay the entire add-ons stipulated in the deal.
Al Nassr, who have played a leading role in the Saudi Pro League’s raid of the European continent, ransacking and signing some of the world’s biggest stars are seemingly in hot water.
The Saudi Arabian side acquired Cristiano Ronaldo in December, 2022 and that resulted in an influx of high-profile players into the country.
Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Marcelo Brozovic, Roberto Firmino, Kalidou Koulibaly and many others have afterwards joined the Pro League.
Al Nassr continue to be linked with many other big name footballers, including Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech and Ivorian Wilfred Zaha.
FIFA banned Al Nassr over Ahmed Musa’s transfer
Al Nassr are set to face some difficulty in the transfer market after FIFA suspended the club from registering any new acquisition.
The Saudi Pro League runners up were told in 2021 that they would have to pay Leicester City the amount owed after the verdict was officially delivered.
Apparently, they had reportedly failed to make the payment and they have been duly punished with the registration embargo promised.
Reports indicate that the ban wouldn’t only be for one window, but three subsequent registration periods based on the initial ruling released.
This ban will definitely affect Al Nassr as they continue to make needed additions that will help strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.
The Saudi Arabian side has a grace period till the end of those three subsequent bans to make the £390,000 payment plus interest.
However, if they don’t, the Riyadh based club could face sanctions from FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee.
Anyway, Al Nassr hierarchy are confident that the payment will be made before it gets to a boiling point.
They have also shared that the error came due to a recent change in ownership structure after the Public Investment Fund took responsibility for the club.
The Knights of Najd reportedly intend to put an end to the ban by making the payment to Leicester City.
The Foxes were amongst the three teams that were relegated from the English Premier League last term, with the other two being Leeds United and Southampton.
Leicester City will be competing in the English Championship next season and they will need an inflow of cash as they intend to make a return to the top-flight.
Ahmed Musa at Al Nassr
The Nigeria International left the Saudi Arabian side due to his desire to return to Europe.
He made 60 appearances for Al Nassr, scoring 11 goals and providing 14 assists in all competitions.
During his two-year stay at the Jeddah based club, Ahmed Musa won the Saudi Pro League and the Saudi Super Cup.
