Things are going from bad to worse for Mohammedan Sporting. With a potential FIFA transfer ban hanging over their heads, the Kolkata club with an illustrious history is also urgently searching for a new investor to secure their participation in the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL), following the exit of the Shrachi Group.
Sources have informed RevSportz that the Black and White Brigade have held discussions with several potential investors, but an agreement is yet to be reached. With time running out, the club’s last resort could well be seeking assistance from the West Bengal Chief Minister for a solution and financial backing. Unless they can ensure stable funding, the club’s participation in the ISL could be in jeopardy, given the league’s financial compliance norms.
Adding to the club’s woes is a looming transfer ban imposed by FIFA. As first reported by the Times of India, FIFA’s Player Status Chamber has ordered Mohammedan Sporting to clear the outstanding dues of former head coach, Andrey Chernyshov. Failure to comply could result in a transfer ban spanning multiple registration windows, in addition to further disciplinary measures.
In the official order, FIFA’s Chief Legal Officer cited Article 8 of Annex 2 of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, stating that if the full amount is not paid within 45 days of notification, the club will be banned from registering new players — both domestically and internationally — until the dues are cleared.
The duration of the ban could extend up to three full and consecutive registration periods should the amount remain unpaid. In such a scenario, the case will be forwarded to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee for further sanctions. Mohammedan Sporting have been instructed to pay the salary arrears pending since December 11 last year, along with compensation for breach of contract.
Furthermore, RevSportz has learned through a senior club official that the team is facing a player registration embargo from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) due to several fines incurred during last season’s ISL campaign. While the outstanding AIFF amount remains in the lower lakh range and does not cross into crores, the club is confident of resolving it soon to ensure smooth player registration ahead of the Calcutta Football League (CFL) and Durand Cup.
However, the FIFA-related financial burden is more serious, and the club expects to address it only after finalising an investor. Sources confirm that all potential investors have been made aware of the past dues, and the club has communicated that these liabilities must be cleared before funds can be allocated for team-building ahead of the new season.
“We are currently exploring all options to resolve this as quickly as possible. We are optimistic that Mohammedan Sporting will clear all dues soon and begin the new season with a fresh investor,” a senior official told RevSportz.
Also Read: Manolo Marquez’s stint a disaster and AIFF no better
