PSM Makassar Hit with FIFA Transfer Ban, but Sanction Could Be Lifted Soon

Sulawesi Selatan’s pride, PSM Makassar, is once again facing serious off-field issues. For the second time in two years, FIFA has imposed a transfer ban for three registration windows on the club. The sanction took effect on March 28, 2025, due to an unresolved conflict with their former foreign player, Wiljan Pluim, related to unpaid wages and an unclear transfer exit.

The key issue behind the ban is salary arrears and the lack of clarity in Pluim’s departure from the club. FIFA found that PSM had not fully fulfilled their obligations to the Dutch midfielder. As a result, the world football governing body issued an administrative penalty preventing the club from registering new players, including foreign signings, for a specified period.

Can Only Use Existing Squad

During the ban period, PSM is only allowed to use players who were registered prior to March 28, 2025. This means the club is unable to strengthen their squad with new signings, whether local or international.

This situation presents a major setback as the 2025/2026 season is fast approaching. With the transfer ban still in place, PSM’s coaching staff will have to rely heavily on the existing squad without the option of bringing in fresh reinforcements—particularly concerning in midfield and attacking areas that were underperforming last season.

The uncertainty has also caused several potential signings to put negotiations on hold. Player agents have noted that the administrative instability has pushed many prospects toward rival clubs offering more security.

Resolution in Final Stages

There is, however, a silver lining. According to I.League President Director, Ferry Paulus, PSM is now in the final stages of resolving the administrative issues and settling their financial obligations to Wiljan Pluim. Ferry is optimistic that FIFA will lift the ban in a matter of days.

“PSM is finalizing a few documents. Once everything is in place and the payments are cleared, the ban could be lifted within one or two days,” Ferry stated to reporters on Tuesday (Aug 6).

If the process goes smoothly, PSM will once again be allowed to register new players, including international signings who were previously linked to the club.

Not Their First Offense

This is not the first time PSM Makassar has faced a similar sanction. In April 2024, the club was also sanctioned by FIFA due to wage disputes and contractual breaches. At that time, they managed to resolve the issue and had the ban lifted by June 2024.

The recurrence of this issue within a short span has raised concerns among fans and football observers. Many have criticized the club’s management for failing to implement structural improvements in handling player contracts and financial responsibilities.

Impact on Team Preparation

The transfer ban has severely limited PSM’s ability to prepare for the new season. Several targeted signings opted to join other clubs due to the ongoing uncertainty regarding their registration eligibility.

The ban has also disrupted PSM’s preparations for the AFC Cup, as the club cannot bolster its lineup with much-needed reinforcements in defense and attack to face tougher opponents from across Asia.

From a commercial standpoint, the club is also missing out. Transfer announcements usually generate buzz among fans and sponsors—momentum that is now lost due to the ban.

Supporters Remain Hopeful

Despite the issues, PSM supporters continue to rally behind the team. On social media, the hashtag #FreePSM has trended, showing that fans still have high hopes for the club’s management to resolve the issue once and for all.

Many supporters have called for greater professionalism and long-term improvements so that similar cases do not hinder the club’s development in the future.

Unless something unexpected occurs, PSM Makassar is expected to be free from FIFA’s transfer ban in the coming days. The key lies in completing all financial obligations to Wiljan Pluim and submitting the necessary documents to FIFA. Once lifted, PSM will be able to return to the transfer market, register new players, and strengthen the squad ahead of a competitive new season. This moment is seen as a potential turning point for the club to build a stronger, more sustainable foundation in the long run.