World football governing body, FIFA on Thursday said it has banned Saudi Pro League club side, Al-Nassr from registering new players over outstanding debts.
Al-Nassr recently added Croatian midfielder Marcelo Brozovic from Inter Milan to their line-up and will be playing Portuguese side SC Farense in a friendly on Friday.
According to a FIFA spokesperson who spoke to Reuters, “Al-Nassr is currently prevented from registering new players due to outstanding debts.”
“The relevant bans will be lifted immediately, upon the settlement of the debts being confirmed by the creditors concerned.”
The outstanding debts are related to the transfer of Nigerian attacker Ahmed Musa, who moved to Al-Nassr from English side Leicester City in 2018.
FIFA, in a ruling in October 2021, said Al-Nassr was owing Leicester City 460,000 euros (513,544 dollars) for the signing of Musa.
Musa played 62 games for the Saudi Arabian club in all competitions, scoring 14 goals, before leaving in 2020.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) in June announced a Sports Clubs Investment and Privatisation Project involving league champions Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.
In January, the club signed Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo and finished second in the league last season.
