FIFA blocks three transfer windows for Fenerbahçe for €2.9 million
FIFA has imposed on Fenerbahçe a registration ban for three windows due to the non‑payment of an instalment linked to the transfer of Youssef En‑Nesyri. The decision was communicated today and directly affects the club's ability to sign new players. The measure is temporary and remains in force until the disputed amount is settled.
The club, often shortened to Fener, has been placed on the list of sanctioned clubs for three periods. The measure was taken after Fenerbahçe failed to meet the deadline of 30 April 2026 for the payment of a transfer tranche. FIFA, acting under the rules on international payments, therefore blocked the possibility of new market operations.
Origin of the dispute
Youssef En‑Nesyri was bought by Sevilla in the summer of 2024 for €19.5 million. The contract provided for staggered instalments, one of which was due by 30 April 2026. The failure to meet that deadline prompted Sevilla to turn to FIFA to obtain the imposition of sanctions.
Procedure and payment
According to journalist Samet Çayir of Fanatik, the sum at the centre of the dispute amounts to €2.9 million, the contested payment. Fenerbahçe claims to have settled the tranche shortly after the new management took office, while Sevilla has demanded the early payment of the subsequent instalment. FIFA then advanced the payment of the instalment originally scheduled for 31 October due to the delay.
The club announced its intention to pay the amount on Monday, the first useful working day, and then complete the necessary bureaucratic procedures with FIFA. Once the payment is made, the federation should lift the market ban and allow Fenerbahçe to operate again in upcoming transfers.
Fenerbahçe reiterated its position through an official statement: “The three‑period market ban imposed on our club is temporary and concerns the cost of the transfer of Youssef En‑Nesyri. Our club will make the payment ordered by FIFA on the first working day (Monday) and, once the bureaucratic procedures with FIFA are completed, the market ban will be lifted.”
In the meantime, Youssef En‑Nesyri is no longer part of Fenerbahçe’s squad: last February he was transferred to Al‑Ittihad for €15 million, after arriving from Sevilla for €19.5 million in the same year.