Santos FC Banned from Transfers Over Debt

Santos FC has been barred from registering new players following the imposition of a FIFA transfer ban, effective this Thursday, October 8th, 2026. This sanction stems from an unresolved debt owed to José Francisco Belman Gonzales, a former member of Pedro Caixinha's coaching staff. The club has been unable to settle the compensation due after their dismissal in April 2025.

The outstanding amount for the goalkeeping coach is €200,000, equivalent to R$1.1 million, along with 5% annual interest accrued since April 2025. The transfer ban will be rescinded once this debt is paid in full. It is anticipated that Santos will face further sanctions, as Caixinha and assistants José Prata and Pedro Malta have also secured legal judgments against the club, bringing the total owed to R$15 million.

This is not the first time Santos has encountered transfer restrictions. The club previously received financial aid from NR Sports, owned by Neymar and his family, to settle a R$12 million debt. This assistance enabled them to register players such as Arthur, Lima, Rodinei, Coutinho, and Everton Cebolinha, underscoring a pattern of financial difficulties requiring external support.