FIFA has imposed sanctions on Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr due to a dispute with Leicester City regarding the transfer of Ahmed Musa. The ban prohibits Al Nassr from registering new players, impacting their plans to acquire Hakim Ziyech from Chelsea and Domenico Berardi from Sassuolo.
Al Nassr, a prominent team in the Saudi Pro League, gained attention by securing the services of high-profile players, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo Brozovic from Inter Milan, to strengthen their squad.
The conflict stems from Leicester City’s claim that they are still owed money for the £14 million transfer of Ahmed Musa in 2018. The outstanding amount, which includes add-ons, is reported to be £390,000.
FIFA initially issued a ruling in 2021, instructing the Saudi club to fulfill their financial obligations to Leicester City or face a ban on transfer registrations. The club’s failure to settle the outstanding payment has led to FIFA taking action against the nine-time Saudi champions.
According to FIFA’s ruling, the transfer registration ban is expected to last for three windows, hindering the ability of Al Nassr to bring in new players.
In response, the owners of Al Nassr, the Public Investment Fund, have stated their commitment to promptly paying the owed amount to Leicester City in order to have the ban lifted.
Super Eagles star, Ahmed Musa joined Leicester City for a then-club record fee of £16.6 million in 2016. After scoring just two goals in 21 Premier League appearances, he was loaned back to CSKA Moscow the following season. Musa then moved to Al Nassr, where he contributed 14 goals in 62 matches across all competitions, playing a part in their 2019 league title triumph. Subsequently, Musa returned to Nigeria to join Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Kano Pillars in 2021 before signing with Turkish side Fatih Karagumruk.