FIFA lifts transfer ban on Najaf sports club

NAJAF, Iraq — FIFA has lifted its transfer ban on Najaf Sports Club after the Iraqi side completed one of its outstanding international cases and met its financial obligations, the club's interim board of directors announced on Friday. The decision removes a barrier blocking new player registrations. The board credited licensing officer Hussein Fallah for tracking the case and coordinating with the relevant bodies. In a separate statement dated July 11, club chairman Ammar Naji disclosed that the club had been facing a financial crisis, with debts reaching 3 billion Iraqi dinars and $500,000, including 550 million dinars owed to local players from the previous season. Club media officer Taha Shir said on December 25, 2025, that all club activities had been suspended due to the financial crisis. Najaf finished the 2025–2026 Iraqi Stars League with 25 points, placing 19th and being relegated to the Iraqi First Division. No further details on the club's next steps were immediately available.