Despite FIFA's transfer bans not being lifted days before the transfer deadline, Royal AM could face another difficult season.
A registration ban related to Samir Nurkovic and Ricardo Nascimento is affecting the KwaZulu-Natal club.
Royal AM made social media fame by splashing cash in the public eye, but now they are caught in a contract dispute with Nurkovic and Nascimento that has reached FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
After FIFA imposed the first sanction in Nurkovic's breach of contract case on July 3, 2023, Thwihli Thwahla were unable to conduct any incoming transfers.
Royal AM was placed under further restrictions with another three-window transfer ban in Nascimento's case in January.
Nurkovic's case involves more than R10 million (with 5% interest) and is now with CAS after Royal AM paid the heavy appeal fee to have FIFA's award overturned.
After the case was heard on May 13, CAS extended the deadline for their decision to September 13, but haven't made any announcement just days before.
As a result, FIFA still has Royal AM serving a three-window ban as of Monday, September 9.
Nascimento's lighter case has also failed to advance.
Having failed to resolve his contract dispute with Royal AM amicably, Nascimento turned to FIFA last year.
As a result, the world governing body awarded the defender R600 000 (effective September 2023 with 5% interest).
In January 2024, Royal AM still failed to comply and were handed a three-window transfer ban.
As of a year later, the matter has not been resolved and the agent who handled the Brazilian defender's deal (Marcelo Robalinho) now wants his 6% commission paid as well.
The domestic transfer window closes on September 20 with Royal AM still losing players with Thato Lingwati, Menzi Masuku and Ruzaigh Gamildien having left in this window after Tebogo Potsane, Lantshene Phalane, Happy Jele, Nascimento, Shaun Mogaila, Elias Pelembe and Tshepo Rikhotso all left last season.
