Hyderabad FC is facing yet another significant blow as the player status committee of the All India Football Federation has banned transfers for the next two registration windows. Subsequent defaults on player and official pay led to the ban.
Transfer ban
The club is prohibited from signing any new players for a period of two complete and consecutive registration windows, beginning in mid-June and finishing in August and running through January 2025. Hyderabad will not be able to acquire players for the 2024–25 campaign as a result.
The ban hinders Hyderabad FC’s chances, as they are currently last in the ISL standings and will have to rely entirely on homegrown players unless the ruling is overturned by an appeal. During a home game on February 1, non-coaching personnel protested unpaid salaries, drawing attention to the club’s ongoing financial difficulties. Unpaid outstanding dues persist in spite of objections.
The ban also compounds Hyderabad FC’s troubles as they’re already under a FIFA transfer ban due to payment defaults to former player Bartholomew Ogbeche. It is noted that the AIFF held the club accountable for its recurrent disregard for player welfare, noting numerous complaints.
Over last couple of years, more than ten players and officials, including foreign talents, have filed complaints, highlighting the club’s turmoil. Recent departures of players like Chinglensana Singh and Nikhil Poojary further worsen the condition.
