Bashundhara Kings' transfer bans lifted, free to register players

Bashundhara Kings have finally cleared the last of their FIFA registration bans, allowing the reigning Bangladesh Football League champions to enter the transfer market with just days remaining before the window closes.

The club had accumulated 14 FIFA-imposed bans over outstanding payments to former players and coaches. Eleven cases had already been settled, and the remaining three were lifted simultaneously on Friday night, removing the final restriction on the six-time league champions.

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The clearance came at a crucial time for Bashundhara, with the Bangladesh Football Federation extending the club licensing deadline to September 1 and the domestic transfer window closing on September 3.

Bashundhara Kings and Abahani had both been prevented from registering new players because of FIFA bans. Abahani resolved their outstanding cases earlier and have already made several additions, including four foreign players. One of their recruits is Nigerian Michael Babatunde, who represented his country at the 2014 World Cup.

With Bashundhara and Abahani now clear, four FIFA registration bans remain against Bangladeshi clubs. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club have two cases, while Feni Soccer Club have one, but those two clubs are not active currently.

Fakirerpool Young Men's Club had two bans but saw one lifted on Friday, leaving them with one outstanding case. If they manage to lift that suspension within the stipulated time, the league this season could be a 13-team affair.