AIFF lifts ban on Namdhari Sports Academy, imposes new one on Kochi's Lord's FA

FIFA handed Namdhari Sports Academy a ban on the registration of new players on June 2.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) have confirmed that Punjab-based football side Namdhari Sports Academy have had their nationwide ban lifted by FIFA. The club made their debut in the I-League last season, but had gotten themselves in trouble with the football federation for not being able to stick to the rules when it came to operating their youth academy.

AIFF’s Intervention

Earlier in June, FIFA had imposed a ban on Namdhari’s academy which stopped them from signing and registering new players. But, after the Punjab club proved their innocence and showed that they were operating cleanly, the AIFF notified that the said ban has now been lifted immediately and that the side can start registering new players again.

With that being said, a new club to have faced the wrath of FIFA are the Kerala-based Lord’s FA. Initially, named Club YMAA (Young Men Athletic Association), Lord’s FA have also been found to have internal trouble when it comes to operating their club properly.

As a result, FIFA has swiftly brought down the hammer to ban the Kerala side from registering new players effective immediately. If Lord’s FA want to get their ban rescinded, then their officials will have to prove to FIFA that they have not broken any rules and are operating seamlessly, including the timely payment of dues to players and staff members.

FIFA’s officials have been keeping a close eye on the operation of clubs from all over India in recent years. The Indian Super League (ISL) side Hyderabad FC have found themselves in deep trouble for financial issues within the club and non-payment of salaries to players and non-playing staff members.

The Nizams are currently serving a double transfer window ban from FIFA for repeatedly failing to pay salaries to their employees. That means they will not be able to sign or register new players in the ongoing summer transfer window or the 2025 winter transfer window.

Several I-League clubs are also on FIFA’s radar, with the world football body keeping a close eye on how they’re operating and treating their employees. With Lord’s FA being the latest club to face a ban, Indian clubs (and academies) must tread carefully and operate according to FIFA’s rules to keep themselves away from facing similar bans.

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