FIFA imposes transfer ban on Fenerbahçe over En-Nesyri fee dispute

The reason behind FIFA's three-window transfer ban on Fenerbahçe has now come to light. In a written statement, the Istanbul club confirmed that the sanction is connected to the transfer fee owed for Youssef En-Nesyri, who joined the squad during the 2024-2025 season. Club officials said they wanted to clarify the matter for supporters and the public following widespread media coverage.

According to the statement, the issue stems from a missed installment payment that was due on 30 April 2026. Following the delay, the selling club took the matter to FIFA, turning it into a formal case. Fenerbahçe's new board settled the overdue installment after taking office, but the selling club subsequently demanded payment of the next installment as well, leaving the matter pending a FIFA ruling.

FIFA's official Registration Ban List recorded 25 September 2026 as the starting date of the sanction against Fenerbahçe. Under the ruling, the club will be barred from registering new players for three transfer and registration windows unless the outstanding obligations are met. Fenerbahçe stated that it would make the FIFA-ordered payment on the first business day, Monday, after which the ban would be lifted once the administrative procedures are completed.

The club also announced that all financial statements and liabilities from the past period would be shared transparently with congress members and the public at the Ordinary General Assembly scheduled for 27 September 2026. This move reaffirmed the management's commitment to financial transparency. According to reports, Pendikspor, a club from Turkey's second-tier Trendyol 1. Lig, also received an identical three-window transfer ban from FIFA on the same date.