Fresh off their Indian Super League (ISL) triumph, Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) has been dealt a temporary setback. The club has been slapped with a national ban on registering new players, following what FIFA has described as a “technical error” connected to the international transfer of Australian striker Jason Cummings.
The issue centers on a discrepancy within the FIFA Clearing House — a system designed to automate and ensure transparency in payments such as training compensation and solidarity fees. These fees are mandated under FIFA rules and are paid to the youth clubs responsible for a player’s early development, particularly when a player is transferred internationally before the age of 23.
While Mohun Bagan has asserted that all dues were paid during the transfer process, the FIFA system reportedly flags an inconsistency. This has triggered the registration ban, which prevents the club from signing new players for domestic competition. However, the current squad remains unaffected and the team can continue participating in ongoing matches.
“Even if the payment was made, a discrepancy in documentation or data mismatch can cause a red flag in the system,” explained sources familiar with the situation. “It’s not an uncommon issue. Clubs around the world, including Mumbai City FC last year, have faced similar hurdles due to the FIFA Clearing House process.”
Notably, FIFA’s concern does not suggest any financial wrongdoing. Instead, it appears to be a matter of miscommunication or system error — possibly linked to incomplete or incorrectly submitted paperwork related to Cummings’ transfer.
Training compensation fees are often misunderstood. They are owed regardless of whether a player is signed from a professional club, as long as they moved internationally before turning 23. The confusion between “payment made” and “compensation pending” arises because these fees are routed differently and can be delayed due to technical hiccups.
The ban is currently limited to national registrations, meaning MBSG is only barred from signing new players within India. International transfers could still be permitted, depending on separate clearance.
The club has already approached FIFA to resolve the matter. If confirmed as a genuine technical glitch, the issue could be settled swiftly. However, this episode is likely to act as a wake-up call for Indian clubs, underscoring the importance of precision and compliance in international transfers.
As Indian football continues to grow, such procedural clarity will be crucial in aligning with global standards.
