Esteghlal football club have been banned from signing players in this season’s winter transfer window after failing to pay to a former player.

Esteghlal, who are struggling financially, made German midfielder Adil Chihi’s payment with delay hence FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) banned the Blues from signing new players in the current transfer window.

Esteghlal’s officials notified the ban when they wanted to receive new signing Server Djeparov ITC.

Esteghlal cannot file an appeal on this case as it is a final decision made by the Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC).

Esteghlal coach Alireza Mansourian, whose team’s performance in the first half of the season couldn’t meet the fans, expectation, was optimistic after signing Djeparov and Andranik Teymourian but now he can’t use his new players.

The Blues are currently in the 4th place of the Iran Professional League table with 28 points from 18 games, 13 points behind the league leaders and arch rivals Persepolis.

Esteghlal will take on Qatari side Al Sadd in the crucial AFC Champions League play-off match in Tehran on February 2.

SG