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Updated June 9th, 2021 at 14:02 IST

FIFA ban on East Bengal, Kerala Blasters explained: How ISL clubs can resume transfers

FIFA laid down transfer bans of ISL sides East Bengal and Kerala Blasters following their failure to comply with 'financial obligations' to former players.

Reported by: Sreehari Menon
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Indian Super League outfits Kerala Blasters and East Bengal were handed a major blow as the world governing body FIFA handed down a transfer ban for irregularities. The Hero ISL clubs were suspended from signing any new players because of non-payment of dues to their former recruits as per FIFA. The ban comes in after the two clubs failed to comply with 'financial obligations' for their former players Johnny Acosta and Matej Poplatnik. Here's all you need to know about the Kerala Blasters, East Bengal transfer ban: 

East Bengal, Kerala Blasters transfer ban: FIFA hands down transfer suspension on Indian football clubs 

Indian football's transfer window opens on Wednesday, June 9 but both East Bengal and Kerala Blasters have work to do after they were handed transfer bans by FIFA following their unpaid dues to former players. In the case of Kerala Balsters, the Kochi-based club were handed the embargo upon a complaint about unpaid salary by former player Matej Poplatnik. Players can approach FIFA if they aren't paid their wages on time and the global body is expected to intervene to get the issue resolved. 

Poplatnik was a part of the side during the 2018-19 season and spent a season on loan with Hungarian club Kaposvari Rakoczi before eventually signing for  Scottish top division club Livingston FC ahead of the 2020/21 season. In response to the Kerala Blasters transfer ban, the club have already initiated steps to resolve the issue and have the ban lifted. Once the dues are paid, the ban will be lifted and the Yellow Brigade will be able to sign players ahead of the new Hero ISL season. 

In the case of the East Bengal transfer ban, the situation is a bit more complicated. The Kolkata-based club has been served a ban by FIFA after former player Jonny Acosta was unpaid his share. Acosta was signed in March 2020 but could only play one game after which the I-League was suspended due to the pandemic. The Costa Rican World Cupper was signed during Quess Corp's era and since then the company has backed out with Shree Cements currently in charge.

The ongoing investor vs club at East Bengal has further complicated matters, and Shree Cements are not legally bound to pay Acosta anything. Reports suggest that Shree Cements will pay Acosta's dues to resume the team-building process. But the club officials will need to repay the amount with a month following which interest will be accrued. 

(Image Courtesy: indiansuperleague.com)

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Published June 9th, 2021 at 14:02 IST

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