Persib Hit by Fresh FIFA Transfer Ban Over Long-Running Robert Alberts Case

Persib Bandung have once again been placed under a FIFA Registration Ban, adding another complication to their preparations for the 2026/2027 season. The latest sanction, listed by FIFA on August 10, 2026, prevents the Indonesian club from registering new players for three registration periods. The case is linked to an old dispute from 2022 involving former Persib head coach Robert Rene Alberts rather than the club's recent activities.

The new punishment comes less than three weeks after Persib's previous registration ban was lifted. That earlier case involved a contractual dispute with former player Daisuke Sato and was resolved in July 2026. The return of Persib to FIFA's list has therefore raised concerns, although the club has stressed that the latest matter originates from a much older case and is unrelated to its operations during the current season.

Persib Bandung Bermartabat has begun reviewing the details of the FIFA decision and is preparing to take the necessary steps through the appropriate regulatory process. The club has also indicated that any outstanding obligations connected to the case will be handled in accordance with FIFA's regulations. At the same time, Persib maintains that its player registration process for the 2026/2027 campaign had been completed according to the applicable rules before the latest ban took effect.

The timing of the sanction is particularly significant because Persib have already strengthened their squad with several new arrivals. Gabriel Mutombo, Luka Menalo, Sandy Walsh, Ragnar Oratmangoen, Balsa Sekulic, Gakuto Notsuda, Mariano Peralta and Danijel Loncar are among the players brought in during the transfer window. Their registration status will depend on when the necessary administrative procedures were completed before the ban became effective.

Persib now face the challenge of resolving the long-standing dispute while preparing for one of the busiest seasons in the club's history. The Bandung side are scheduled to compete in four competitions during the 2026/2027 campaign, including the Super League, Piala Indonesia, ASEAN Club Championship and AFC Champions League Two. With a demanding schedule ahead, resolving the FIFA case quickly will be crucial to ensuring that the registration ban does not disrupt Persib's ambitions at home and in international competition.