FIFA Freeze, Financial Fireworks: How Al Shabab Plans to Reopen Player Registrations
11 November 2025
Georgiy Buchan Deal and On-Pitch Realities
The Saudi club Al Shabab stated that FIFA’s decision to suspend player registrations is connected to an outstanding payment to Dynamo Kyiv, totaling about $500,000, linked to the signing of Ukrainian goalkeeper Georgiy Buchan.
In an official release, the club affirmed that reports of a registration ban are accurate and that the debt stems from Buchan’s move, which was part of the contract signed between the two clubs.
Al Shabab noted that this debt arose as a consequence of Buchan’s transfer and that it was a necessary payment after the agreement between the teams was finalized.
The club indicated it has already begun urgent steps to settle the amount and said the ban would be lifted once the payment is completed, enabling the club to register its players in the upcoming winter window.
Additionally, the club said it is monitoring all ongoing disputes and intends to resolve them promptly in line with official procedures to safeguard the capital club’s legal and administrative operations.
Georgiy Buchan deal
The winter transfer window last year saw Buchan join from Dynamo Kyiv as a preferred option over other goalkeepers, with the aim of filling a gap after an ACL injury to a previously available Korean custodian.
Buchan’s move marked his first overseas stint outside Ukraine; he had previously been loaned to Polissia for a season. The signing was also influenced by a recommendation from the team’s Spanish coach.
In his prior spell with Shabab, Buchan made 13 appearances and conceded 28 goals, with no clean sheets, a data point that helped shape the coaching and recruitment decisions of the season.
Financial Woes and the Road Ahead
Al Shabab is one of Riyadh’s oldest clubs, boasting a historic 43 titles, but it has battled a severe financial crisis for several years, leading to multiple registration suspensions and hampered competitiveness in the Saudi Pro League.
The Saudi Ministry of Sports stepped in with a support package of 130 million riyals to stabilize the club’s finances and ensure it can operate effectively before the current season.
At present, Al Shabab sits 13th in the Saudi Pro League with seven points from one win, four draws, and three losses.
The campaign began with a heavy 4-1 defeat to Gulf, followed by a 1-0 win over Al-Hazm and a goalless draw with Al-Fayha. The team later lost to Al-Kholoud, drew with Al-Ahli and with Damac, then to Al-Hilal and finally earned another draw with Al-Ettifah.
In the King Cup, Al Shabab beat Abha on penalties (4-2) after a 2-2 draw in regular time, and then defeated Al-Zulfi 1-0 to advance. The quarterfinal draw paired them against reigning champions Al-Ittihad, a fixture that tests the club’s resolve and the depth of its squad.
Concern about relegation
Former Saudi star Abdou Atif warned of a worrying slide in form, cautioning that continued results could push the team toward the yellow-division relegation zone if changes aren’t made promptly in the January window.
Atif argued that the squad needs a fundamental rebuild rather than blaming the coach alone, with around 70% of players needing changes to restore balance.
Overall, the club remains committed to resolving the financial and sporting challenges, trusting in a swift settlement of the FIFA ban and a revitalized winter transfer strategy to stabilize performance and standings.
