SEOUL – FIFA has levied sanctions against the Korea Football Association (KFA) and professional football club Gwangju FC for a significant breach of player registration regulations. The decision, handed down by FIFA's disciplinary committee, includes fines for both organizations and a player registration ban for the club.
The KFA was fined 30,000 Swiss francs (approximately $33,000 USD), while Gwangju FC received a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs ($11,000 USD) and a ban on registering new players for two upcoming transfer windows. However, FIFA's ruling offers a conditional reprieve. The KFA’s fine will be suspended for one year if no similar violations occur, and Gwangju’s second registration ban will be lifted if they avoid reoffending. As a result, Gwangju will be unable to sign new players during the first half of 2026 but will regain their registration rights for the second half of the year.
The disciplinary action stems from a series of missteps regarding the transfer of foreign striker Jasir Asani. Gwangju FC failed to pay a 3,000 USD solidarity contribution, a mandatory fee required for the transfer. The club initially received a player registration ban from FIFA on December 17 of the previous year, a sanction that went unnoticed after the employee responsible for the matter went on leave without properly handing over the case.
Unaware of the ban, Gwangju proceeded to sign over 10 new players during the winter transfer window and used them in competitive matches. The KFA, despite having been notified of FIFA’s initial ruling, also made a critical error. The association failed to confirm that Gwangju had complied with the order, allowing the club to register the new players in violation of the ban.
In June, FIFA initiated disciplinary proceedings against both the KFA and Gwangju for failing to comply with the registration ban. The recent ruling serves as the final determination on the matter.
The KFA has announced its decision to accept FIFA's sanctions. A representative stated that the association is actively improving its administrative processes and has already implemented technical measures to prevent similar issues from happening again.
Meanwhile, a representative from Gwangju FC stated that the club is still reviewing the official document from FIFA. They will make a final decision on whether to appeal the ruling after further internal discussion. FIFA’s notification allows for an appeal to be lodged within five days of the decision being communicated.
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