Santos Faces Transfer Ban from FIFA Due to Debt for João Basso

Santos has been issued a transfer ban by FIFA due to an outstanding debt of 2.6 million euros (approximately $2.8 million USD) to Arouca, a Portuguese football club, stemming from the 2023 transfer of defender João Basso. This ban prevents the Brazilian club from registering any fresh players until the debt is settled.

The Dispute and FIFA’s Decision

The dispute originated from Santos’ failure to fully compensate Arouca for the transfer of João Basso. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) initially ruled in favor of Arouca last month, giving Santos 45 days to resolve the payment. Santos did not meet this deadline, leading FIFA to impose the transfer ban.

Impact on Santos

The ban is already impacting Santos’ player registration. The club was unable to register midfielder Christian Oliva on Thursday, February 19, 2026, and will be unable to register any further new signings until the situation is resolved.

Attempts to Resolve the Debt

Santos reportedly attempted to negotiate installment plans with Arouca, but these attempts were unsuccessful. Arouca is demanding a full cash payment to lift the ban.

João Basso’s Current Status

João Basso remains with Santos, having been part of the team that secured promotion back to Série A. However, he has recently seen reduced playing time under coach Vojvoda.

Duration of the Ban

The transfer ban is expected to last for three transfer windows.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.