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Xtra Time Web Desk: Indian Super League clubs SC East Bengal and Kerala Blasters have been served a letter from world football governing body FIFA stating that the club has been banned from signing players in the upcoming transfer window which starts from June 9. The correspondence from the FIFA player status committee was made on June 1 and the AIFF has sent a letter to the club on June 7.

As per reports in Goal, the Kochi-based club has been served a ban by the world football governing body upon a complaint about unpaid salary by former player Matej Poplatnik.

It is learnt Kerala Blaster have already started procedures to settle the matters mutually with Poplatnik.

Any player can approach FIFA if they aren't paid their wages on time and the global body is expected to intervene to get the issue resolved. The club only needs to pay the amount following which they will be allowed to sign new players in the transfer window which starts from June 9, 2021. 

Another ISL club SC East Bengal too received a transfer ban. Costa Rican world cupper Johnny Acosta went to the FIFA dispute resolution chamber (DRC) regarding salary payment. He has already won his case. It has been not confirmed yet whether the club has received any correspondence from FIFA.

Nine other Indian players including CK Vineeth, Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Abhishek Ambekar have also moved to the players status committee of the All India Football Federation. These players were signed during the transitory period when Shree Cement was yet to join as investor and played some role during the ISL 2021.

If the players win their case, then liabilities will keep piling for the club irrespective of whether investor Shree Cement stays on board or not.

Shree Cement and East Bengal are locked in a bitter tussle over signing of the final agreement with both sides refusing to yield an inch.