FIFA transfer ban returns as JDR Stars face three-window registration block

FIFA has imposed a three-window transfer ban on JDR Stars, reviving concerns over registration restrictions in domestic football just as TS Galaxy secured clearance from its own six-month sanction.

The ban against JDR Stars came into effect on Thursday. The club competed in the Motsepe Foundation Championship before selling its status to Leicesterford City ahead of the start of last season.

The development could create difficulties for Leicesterford City, who are now competing in the first division, if the sale of JDR Stars is deemed to have transferred responsibility for the club’s outstanding regulatory matters.

The reason for the latest FIFA sanction has not been established. However, JDR Stars have previously been subject to a separate registration ban involving Cameroonian player Auguste Junior Boum Somlaga.

Somlaga spent six months with JDR Stars before leaving to join Indian club Kenkre FC. That matter was subsequently settled.

JDR Stars’ former boss Nditsheni Nemasisi later became involved with Sasolburg United in the Free State ABC Motsepe League.

There are also reports that JDR Stars was sold as a going concern, a development that could increase the potential consequences for Leicesterford City. The club’s status in the first division means any FIFA ruling connected to the earlier transaction could have a direct impact on its operations.

The latest action comes shortly after TS Galaxy were finally removed from FIFA’s blacklist after complying with an order linked to regulatory breaches involving the FIFA Clearing House.

Galaxy’s ban had been in place from 27 February 2026 and prevented the club from registering a number of new signings. Those players were only cleared to play before Galaxy’s most recent match.

The affected players were Sifiso Ngobeni, Zuko Gxabusa, Edson Khumalo, Camagu Mdevulana, Mpho Maoke, Anslin William, Simthandile Sishi, Bongani van den Heede, Lennol Mathebula, Azola Jakalashe, Thabelo Tshikweta, Katekane Mhlongo, Nhlakanipho Ngwenya and Siphesihle Tati.

Galaxy’s compliance brought an end to that registration dispute, but FIFA’s latest intervention involving JDR Stars means domestic clubs remain under scrutiny over their regulatory and financial obligations.

Leicesterford City also have unresolved financial matters with Benin international Marcel Dandjinou, which could potentially be brought before FIFA. Dandjinou is now a player for Kruger United.

The other clubs currently listed as being under transfer bans are Free State Stars, Cape Town All Stars, BTM Sports, Royal Eagles and Witbank Spurs.

The latest ban further highlights the possible consequences for clubs involved in ownership changes, player payments and registration matters. While the precise grounds for the JDR Stars sanction have not been made public, the case has raised questions about whether obligations connected to the club could follow its status after the sale to Leicesterford City.