Payments of debts do not automatically end transfer bans – Libya FA tell clubs

The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has warned clubs under international registration bans that settling outstanding debts does not automatically restore their ability to sign new players, insisting that each case must be judged according to the specific FIFA or Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling behind the sanction.

In an official circular issued by LFF president Dr Abdulmoula Al-Maghribi on 9 September 2026, the federation reminded clubs that it is obliged to enforce FIFA regulations and binding CAS decisions without exception.

The clarification comes as several Libyan clubs continue to deal with FIFA-imposed registration bans linked to disciplinary sanctions and unpaid financial obligations.

Two types of registration bans

The LFF explained that not all transfer bans operate in the same way.

Where a registration ban has been imposed as a disciplinary sanction for a fixed period, paying the underlying financial obligation does not necessarily bring the punishment to an immediate end. The ban remains in force until its prescribed duration expires or FIFA decides otherwise.

However, where the ban has been imposed to compel compliance with a financial ruling, clubs may have the restriction lifted once the outstanding obligation has been fully met and FIFA’s required procedures have been completed.

The federation stressed that clubs should not assume that clearing a debt automatically removes every registration ban.

No new signings while bans remain active

The LFF also made clear that clubs cannot officially register new players while an active FIFA registration ban remains in force, even if payment has already been made.

Instead, each club must refer to the wording of the relevant FIFA or CAS decision to determine whether the sanction has been satisfied and whether the registration restriction has formally been lifted.

The federation said it would continue implementing international rulings strictly in line with FIFA regulations, Circular No. 1843 and established CAS jurisprudence.

Compliance remains mandatory

The circular warned clubs that neither the federation nor clubs themselves can approve player registrations that contradict active FIFA or CAS decisions.

“The implementation of final FIFA and CAS decisions is binding on both the federation and clubs,” the LFF said, adding that any attempt to register players while a ban remains active would conflict with international regulations.

The federation urged affected clubs to examine the legal basis of their sanctions individually and ensure that FIFA has formally confirmed the lifting of any registration ban before attempting to register new players.