In a significant boost for Indian football giants Mohun Bagan Super Giant, FIFA has officially lifted the transfer ban that was imposed on the Sanjiv Goenka-owned club. The decision, announced by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, clears the way for the reigning Indian Super League (ISL) champions to sign new players ahead of the upcoming season.
Background to the Ban
The transfer ban was initially imposed on May 5, 2025, due to a non-payment of dues to Australian striker Jason Cummings’ former club, Central Coast Mariners. While the exact details of the “technical error” that led to the delay were not fully disclosed, Mohun Bagan Super Giant officials had promptly clarified that it was an administrative issue rather than a financial irregularity, assuring that it would be resolved swiftly.
Swift Resolution and Proactive Measures
Unlike similar cases, such as that of Mumbai City FC which took nearly three months to resolve, Mohun Bagan Super Giant managed to get the ban revoked in just over a month. This swift resolution is attributed to the club’s proactive and meticulous approach in addressing FIFA’s concerns. Mohun Bagan submitted a comprehensive 107-page document to the global governing body and diligently responded to two subsequent queries, demonstrating their commitment to rectifying the issue.
A Mohun Bagan Super Giant official confirmed to PTI, “Mohun Bagan submitted a 107-page document to FIFA and thereafter there were two queries, and finally the disciplinary committee has sent a mail lifting the ban.”
Impact on the Transfer Window
The timing of the ban’s lifting is crucial for Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The Indian transfer window opened on June 9, and with the restriction now removed, the club can proceed unhindered with its team-building efforts for the new season. This allows head coach José Francisco Molina and the club management, under the principal ownership of Dr. Sanjiv Goenka, to actively pursue their transfer targets and strengthen the squad for both domestic and continental competitions.
New Leadership and Future Aspirations
The news also comes days after a leadership change within the club, with Debasish Dutta taking charge as the new President and Srinjoy Bose assuming the role of General Secretary. With the transfer ban behind them, Mohun Bagan Super Giant can now fully focus on their ambitions for the upcoming season, aiming to defend their ISL title and make a significant impact in continental tournaments, from which they had to withdraw last year due to a ban by the AFC.
