Mumbai City FC handed player registration ban by FIFA

The Islanders have had a tough start to the 2024-25 season

Mumbai City FC, the Indian Super League (ISL) outfit, have received a national transfer ban from FIFA. The defending champions of the ISL, cannot register a new player to their squad until the ban is lifted.

A circular issued by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) stated, “This circular is to notify all the member associations and stakeholders of the AIFF that a national ban on the registration of new players has been imposed on the club Mumbai City FC (FIFA ID-142UH1C), a club registered with the Western India Football Association.”

The circular further stated, “The ban will be effective immediately as per the communication received from FIFA’s Head of Disciplinary.”

A source close to the development told Khel Now, “The suspension has come due to an issue relating to the solidarity payment owed to a Brazilian club. The problem is expected to be resolved in the next 24-48 hours.”

Previous suspensions

Mumbai City FC have found themselves having difficulty for a variety of reasons before. Last season, the AIFF disciplinary committee suspended two foreign players, Rostyn Griffiths and Jorge Pereyra Diaz for five and four matches respectively, following disputes in the Kalinga Super Club semifinal against Odisha FC.

After this decision, the club mutually parted ways with Rostyn Griffiths on 31st January 2024. While this year in July, Jorge Pereyra signed a contract with Bengaluru FC.

In 2019, the under-18 side of Mumbai City FC faced a one-year suspension from MDFA after a physical altercation with an assistant match referee during an Elite Division match against Karnatak Sporting Association.

ISL 2024-25 journey so far

The reigning champions of the ISL Cup 2023-24 are struggling in the first three matches of the season. In the ISL, they faced Mohun Bagan Super Giant in Kolkata. With the help of a late equalizer by Thaer Krouma, they earned a point.

In the second match, Jamshedpur FC, coached by Khalid Jamil, wrote a comeback story after trailing 0-1 at home. They thrashed the Islanders 3-2.

Mumbai City FC played a goalless draw in their first home match against Bengaluru FC. The team is now in eleventh position with two points in the league table of ISL.

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