Abahani join Mohammedan, Kings in FIFA transfer ban list

Abahani Limited have joined arch-rivals Mohammedan SC and Bashundhara Kings in the list of clubs handed transfer bans, after FIFA on Monday imposed a three-window embargo on the traditional outfit for failing to pay the wages of foreign players.

The ban came into effect on November 3, as Richmond Boakye, Kennedy Amutenya, and Moayad Al Khouli reportedly lodged complaints with FIFA after not being paid despite signing contracts with Abahani for the 2024–25 season.

The website of the world's governing body uploaded the duration of the bans on Abahani, and manager Satyajit Das Rupu also admitted that they had been informed of the decision by FIFA yesterday.

"We came to know about FIFA's decision on Tuesday, though the club lawyer appointed by the previous management before August 5, 2024, had already informed FIFA about the changeover in Bangladesh and Abahani's situation. But FIFA gave their verdict in favour of the players, who did not come to Bangladesh, and even one or two of them played for other clubs in the same season," said Rupu, who was given responsibility after the political changeover in the country.

Rupu, however, did not reveal the amount of unpaid wages, which are estimated to be around Tk 3 crore.

FIFA's disciplinary committee last week also handed transfer bans to Mohammedan and Bashundhara Kings for the same reason -- failure to pay wages to their foreign recruits.