Philadelphia Union listed on FIFA player registration ban list

The Philadelphia Union have run into a snag with new player registration with global governing body FIFA. The Union are among 28 teams from Concacaf and the only from MLS currently on FIFA’s player registration ban list.

Jose Nunez first reported the Union’s appearance on the list Monday.

Clubs placed on the list “are temporarily prohibited from registering new players due to various infractions, such as financial disputes or regulatory breaches,” according to FIFA.

According to reporting from Jonathan Tannenwald at the Inquirer, the ban stems from a missed $700 payment to Jose Riasco’s first youth club, Mineros de Guayana.

While this certainly doesn’t look good considering the state of the roster and the need for reinforcements ahead of the season opener on February 22, LA Galaxy were placed on the list last January and they went on to win MLS Cup. FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew are also MLS teams that have been on the list in recent years.

The transfer window for MLS doesn’t open until January 31. While the ban is for three registration periods, it can and should be lifted prior to that since the money owed has reportedly been paid.