FIFA bans Dong A Thanh Hoa from registering players for 3 terms
Effective from November 5, 2025, the ban on registering players for 3 periods makes it impossible for Thanh Hoa to supplement their squad mid-season; the incident is said to be related to Igor Silva.
FIFA has banned Dong A Thanh Hoa FC from registering new players in three consecutive transfer periods, effective from November 5, 2025. This is a temporary measure, but enough to prevent coach Choi Won Kwon's team from adding players in the mid-season transfer period.
Transfer ban and timeline
According to the announcement, the ban will be applied from November 2025 and will last for 3 consecutive transfer periods. This means Thanh Hoa will have to maintain their current personnel and will not be allowed to register new players until the penalty is lifted.
- Start date: November 5, 2025
- Scope: Ban on registering new players for 3 consecutive transfer periods
- Nature: Temporary measure applied by FIFA
- Immediate impact: Unable to strengthen mid-season
Dispute with Igor Silva is said to be the cause
Many sources said that the penalty likely stemmed from the incident between Thanh Hoa and Brazilian defender Igor Silva. The player born in 2000 played for the Thanh Hoa team in the 2024/2025 season, played 7 matches and scored 1 goal, before leaving in January 2025. It is possible that financial obligations were not fully paid after the separation, causing Igor Silva to file a complaint with FIFA.
In similar disputes, world football's governing body often applies a temporary transfer ban until the obligations between the parties are fully resolved.
Professional and personnel impact
This season, Thanh Hoa is facing a personnel crisis: the squad lacks depth, many key players are injured or have declined, while the next generation is not strong enough to take on the burden. The ban on registering new players makes the rotation and replacement problem even more difficult, especially in the middle of the season when additions are often needed to maintain performance.
In terms of risk management, the inability to “plug the loophole” through the transfer market forces the coaching staff to optimize available resources, strictly manage physical loads and minimize injury recurrence.
Internal turmoil affects performance
In addition to the professional difficulties, the team's upper echelons have also recorded many changes. Head coach Choi Won Kwon once shared that he has not been paid even though he has been working for more than 3 months. These problems off the field can negatively affect the spirit and stability in the dressing room.
Precedent in V-League
Last season, Hoang Anh Gia Lai Club was also banned by FIFA from registering new players for a period of time for the same reason. In a match considered as a “reverse final”, HAGL and Thanh Hoa drew 1-1.
Process perspective
With the ban being temporary, the solution lies in resolving the obligations between the parties involved so that FIFA can consider removing it. Until there is a change, Thanh Hoa will have to operate with existing resources and wait for the return of form from the pillars.