Persib Bandung Hit with FIFA Transfer Ban Over Unpaid Debts

News Summary:

• FIFA Sanction: Persib management was not surprised by the player transfer ban sanction from FIFA, having actively monitored the case since 2023.
• Daisuke Sato’s Root Cause: The sanction is a direct consequence of the termination of Filipino defender Daisuke Sato’s contract during the mid-2023/2024 season.
• CAS Appeal Outcome: Persib had appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to verify the actual salary difference Sato received at his new club. Consequently, the demanded amount was successfully reduced from Rp3.03 billion to Rp2.7 billion.

Teknowarta BANDUNG – The announcement of a player transfer ban from FIFA, the global governing body of football, did not catch Persib Bandung’s management off guard. This legal matter, which recently reached a critical stage, is assured to be resolved promptly by the club’s administration.

Adhitia Putra Herawan, Deputy CEO of Persib Bandung, clarified that this sanction directly stems from the termination of the contract of Japanese-Filipino foreign player Daisuke Sato in the middle of the 2023/2024 competition season.

“We were actually well-aware of this case since it first emerged in 2023,” Adhitia stated when contacted on Sunday, May 31, 2026. “At that time, Luis Milla was still the coach, and Sato was replaced mid-season when Bojan Hodak took over. From an effectiveness standpoint, we are gratified because that change ultimately helped us secure the championship title that season.”

Chronology of the CAS Dispute and Fine Reduction

Adhitia underscored that Persib management did not remain passive when this contract dispute surfaced. The “Blue Prince,” a popular nickname for Persib, proactively opted to file an official appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

This strategic legal recourse was pursued because, according to FIFA regulations, if a player’s contract is terminated, the compensation amount is calculated based on the difference in earnings at their new club. Persib’s management harbored suspicions of irregularities in Sato’s reported salary in the Philippines, which they deemed uncharacteristically low.

The rigorous document verification process at CAS spanned several months, diligently examining the veracity of all contract details, including the player’s per-diem allowances and severance pay. “The results finally came out about two months ago, and we actually received a reduction in the fine,” Adhitia elaborated. “I recall the previous claim amounted to Rp3.03 billion, but after the CAS ruling, it was successfully reduced to Rp2.7 billion.”

Management Emphasizes No Unpaid Wage Arrears

Persib’s management urges the ‘Bobotoh’ (Persib fans) and the wider public not to misunderstand the nature of FIFA’s sanction. Adhitia provided assurance that the club’s financial health is robust and that it maintains an impeccable record regarding fulfilling player rights.

“Therefore, this is not due to late salary payments or a failure to fulfill his rights,” he asserted confidently. “Rather, there was a legal process at CAS that we had to undergo first to verify the true amount of his salary. Now that the precise figure is clear, we will certainly settle it immediately.”

Administrative Clean-Up of Old Management’s Legacy

Furthermore, Adhitia revealed that Persib’s current management, under the leadership of Glenn Sugita, is actively pursuing a comprehensive “clean-up” initiative concerning player contract regulations. He acknowledged that contract cases detrimental to the club frequently occurred during the transition periods of previous managements.

As a notable example, he cited instances where Persib even had irrational coach contract durations, extending up to an astounding seven years. A comprehensive overhaul is now being implemented across the board to foster a healthy and sustainable club industry system.

The maturity of this revamped administrative governance is eloquently evidenced by the smooth termination process of another foreign player, Wiliam Marcilio, which proceeded without any legal complications at the close of this season. “With Wiliam Marcilio, we also terminated his contract, but everything went smoothly because we conducted a proper negotiation process,” Adhitia concluded. “We sat down together, and it concluded with a written agreement. We have learned a great deal and are now meticulously tidying up many aspects for Persib’s future well-being.”