Churchill Brothers hit by AIFF player registration ban ahead of ISL 2026-27
A major setback for the Goan side ahead of the ISL season.
Churchill Brothers FC have hit a major roadblock ahead of their debut in the Indian Super League (ISL), as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has imposed a national ban on the club, meaning Churchill Brothers FC will not be able to register new players.
In a circular issued on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, AIFF officially shared the decision which follows correspondence received from FIFA’s Head of Disciplinary on September 1, 2026.
This development comes at a crucial time for Churchill Brothers, who recently acquired Jamshedpur FC’s ISL license following their exit from the league. The Goan club have already started making moves and are gearing up for the 2026-27 ISL season.
However, this ban could prove to be a significant problem as they prepare to build a competitive squad for the Indian Super League.
Reason for the ban?
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
AIFF’s circular to all Member Associations of the federation has made it clear that Churchill Brothers will not be able to register new players with immediate effect. It was stated in the circular that the decision has been taken following the correspondence received from FIFA’s Head of Disciplinary on September 1, 2026.
The circular stated, “This circular is to notify all the Member Associations (MA) and stakeholders of the AIFF that a National Ban on the registration of new players has been imposed on the Club Churchill Brothers FC Goa, a club registered with the Goa Football Association.”
“Imposition of the ban will be effective immediately in accordance with the correspondence received from FIFA’s Head of Disciplinary dated 01 September 2026,” the circular further added.
However, there is still a catch. The circular doesn’t clearly mention the reason behind FIFA’s disciplinary action and how long the ban will remain active.
How can this impact Churchill Brothers’ ISL debut?
This recent development could very well hinder the progress that Churchill Brother are making to build a squad for the 2026-27 ISL season.
Churchill Brothers recently made the signing of 29-year-old South African centre-forward Wayde Lekay on deadline day, who will now return to Churchill after spending a year with South African side Siwelele FC. However, whether the club will be able to register the player remains a major doubt.
Churchill Brothers have also acquired the services of Vincy Barreto, Dramane Salou, Sebastian Gutierrez, Moses Lalrizuala, Dattaraj Gaonkar and Felix Fernandes ahead of the 2026-27 season. But it remains to be seen whether these players were registered before the national ban imposed on immediate effect.
If the players so far signed also face the problem due to the ban, it could significantly hinder Churchill Brothers’ progress and perhaps how they lineup for the Indian Super League 2026-27 will be interesting to see.
Why has AIFF banned Churchill Brothers?
AIFF has imposed a national ban on Churchill Brothers from registering new players following correspondence received from FIFA’s Head of Disciplinary on September 1, 2026. The exact reason for FIFA’s disciplinary action has not been revealed in the AIFF circular.
Can Churchill Brothers register new players?
No. Under the national ban, Churchill Brothers cannot register new players until the restriction is lifted.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.