Finn Harps have again been handed a “player registration ban” by FIFA.
The Donegal side were previously handed a similar ban by FIFA earlier in 2025 due to an issue over training compensation due to two transfers that occurred three years ago. It was reported at the time that the moves occurred between a club not under the jurisdiction of the Football Association of Ireland and Harps, thereby having the matter dealt with as an “international transfer”.
The ban was then lifted in early July of 2025 and was resolved when Harps paid a fee in respect of the compensation – a sum said to be “manageable” but still described as “significant” by club sources. It was understood at the time that the fee owed was in the region of €90,000.
FIFA Clearing House acts as an intermediary in payments relating to training rewards (solidarity mechanism and training compensation) and ensures that payments by new clubs are correctly distributed to training clubs. It aims to improve the transfer systems and associated payments in football.
According to the FIFA Registration ban list, Finn Harps have placed on the list for a second time since December 19th 2025. It is not yet clear what has led to Finn Harps being placed back on the FIFA registration ban list but it will have an impact on Harp’s manager Kevin McHugh’s plans with the opening weekend of the season fast approaching.
Being on the FIFA registration ban list means Finn Harps are currently prohibited from registering any new players until the ban is lifted by FIFA.
Finn Harps will start their 2026 League Of Ireland First Division campaign when they take on Athlone Town at Lissywollen.