FIFA bans Urartu from registering new players for three transfer windows

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has imposed a ban on the Armenian club FC Urartu, preventing it from registering new players.

According to FIFA’s official register of registration sanctions, the ban came into force on March 5, 2026, and will last for three transfer windows.

What this ban means

The sanction means that Urartu will temporarily be unable to register new players — both through transfers from other clubs and through signing free agents. However, the club is still allowed to:

• Continue using players who are already registered

• Extend contracts with current players

• Register players from its academy (in certain cases)

Such restrictions are most often imposed due to financial disputes or debts, for example related to transfer payments, training compensation for players, or contractual obligations.

As a rule, FIFA sanctions of this type are enforcement measures. If the club resolves the dispute and fulfills the required payments, the ban may be lifted before the end of the three transfer windows.

In recent months, a similar situation has already occurred in Armenian football: the transfer ban imposed by FIFA on Lernayin Artsakh FC in November 2025 was lifted in February after the issue was resolved.

According to the FIFA register, in addition to Urartu, a ban on registering players also applies to the following clubs:

• FC Lori

• West Armenia FC

At the same time, both teams are currently not competing in Armenia’s professional leagues.

Information about the ban is available on the official FIFA website.