Santos FC has been given three further transfer bans by FIFA, increasing their current total to seven. These sanctions are a result of unpaid money, mainly owed to previous manager Pedro Caixinha and his coaching team.
The club has cleared the obligations related to three other bans and anticipates their removal soon. Yet, four cases concerning Caixinha's group are still outstanding, representing a sum of more than R$15 million when including added costs. Santos is already prohibited from registering new players for several transfer periods because of a separate amount due to the Portuguese coach.
Debts total over R$15 million
Recently, FIFA issued four distinct bans related to these unsettled payments. The decisions affirm the club's duty to pay Caixinha and three members of his staff. Another substantial financial obligation has been verified through legal channels.
Debt to Al-Markhiya confirmed
The Court of Arbitration for Sport supported a FIFA decision, confirming Santos must pay a sum to Qatari club Al-Markhiya for the player Yusupha Njie. This amount is now definitive and increases the club's financial strain.
FIFA warns of further sanctions
Sports lawyer André Oliveira discussed the possibility of stricter punishments. "FIFA can increase sanctions for continued failure to pay, usually after a club has completed three registration periods under a ban while still owing money," he stated.
Oliveira pointed out that losing competition points is not guaranteed. "There is no fixed rule, and having several bans does not mean a deduction will happen, as the FIFA panel decides based on the situation," he continued. Experts suggest the possibility of a points penalty would not arise immediately, and could be years away if debts persist.
The club's leadership is looking for financing and once used proceeds from a transaction related to Neymar to resolve an obligation to Monaco.
First reported at OneFootball
