FIFA Bans Russian Club Sochi from Transfers Over Unpaid Debt to Maccabi Tel Aviv
FIFA has imposed a severe transfer ban on Russian club Sochi due to an outstanding debt owed to Maccabi Tel Aviv. The ban, effective September 9, prohibits Sochi from registering new players for three consecutive transfer windows. This significant penalty stems from Sochi's failure to meet financial obligations related to the transfer of defender Nemanja Stoijk.
Stoijk moved from Maccabi Tel Aviv to Sochi at the beginning of September 2025, signing a three-year contract. The transfer fee agreed upon for the Israeli club was approximately 1.2 million euros. However, Russian reports indicate that Sochi has not fulfilled its payment commitments to Maccabi Tel Aviv, prompting FIFA's stringent action.
The transfer embargo represents a major blow to Sochi's professional plans. The club is currently third in the Russian league standings. Stoijk has played seven matches for Sochi this season.
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