The debt, worth around €2.032 million, was related to the 2023 transfer of midfielder Jean Lucas. With the full amount now paid, Santos, also known as the “Peixe,” are once again free to register new players and strengthen their squad.
The issue was ultimately resolved through a partnership with NR Sports, the company responsible for managing Neymar’s image rights. The company provided the funding needed to settle the debt and have the transfer ban lifted. In return, Santos will discuss their remaining unsold jersey sponsorship and uniform rights with NR Sports.
Santos were hit with the FIFA sanction after failing to pay Monaco the money owed from the transfer of Jean Lucas. The midfielder joined Santos from Monaco in July 2023 for a reported €6 million. Under the agreement, the transfer fee was supposed to be paid in three equal instalments of €2 million each.
The first two instalments were paid on time, but Santos failed to settle the third payment, which was due on January 31, 2025.
After acknowledging the missed payment, the Santos board tried to renegotiate the debt with Monaco. The Brazilian club proposed paying the outstanding amount in two instalments, scheduled for August 2025 and January 2026. Monaco, however, rejected the proposal, citing Santos’ previous financial commitments.
With no agreement reached between the two clubs, Monaco took the matter to FIFA in March this year. During the proceedings, Santos admitted that the debt was outstanding but challenged the 15 percent annual interest rate included in the agreement.
FIFA, however, ruled that the interest clause was valid and ultimately sided with Monaco.
Santos then appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the highest level of appeal in international sports disputes. The transfer ban was temporarily suspended while the appeal was pending.
But at the beginning of June, CAS dismissed Santos’ appeal and upheld FIFA’s original ruling.
With the debt now fully settled, Santos have finally put the dispute behind them and are free to register new players once again. Neymar’s involvement through NR Sports played a crucial role in helping his boyhood club avoid a prolonged transfer crisis.
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