Corinthians is close to having its FIFA-imposed transfer ban lifted after reaching an agreement with Santos Laguna over the outstanding debt from the transfer of defender Félix Torres.
According to reporting from Pitchside US, in collaboration with Mexican journalist Axel Ramírez, Santos Laguna agreed to waive interest charges in exchange for immediate payment of the remaining balance, estimated at approximately $6.2 million. The settlement clears the final obstacle preventing Corinthians from registering new players.
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Cristian Moraes
To complete the payment, Corinthians is set to receive an advance from Liga Forte União (LFU). The funds will be used specifically to close the operation and allow the club to be formally cleared by FIFA ahead of the 2026 season. The agreement between the clubs was first reported in Brazil by journalist Bruno Cassucci.
A Dispute That Shaped Corinthians’ Planning
The dispute dates back to early 2024, when Corinthians signed Félix Torres after the defender stood out with Santos Laguna as one of Liga MX’s most reliable center backs. The transfer, valued at roughly $6.5 million and structured in installments, was viewed as a key move to strengthen the club’s defensive line.
While Corinthians made the initial payment, delays followed on subsequent installments. Santos Laguna initially sought an amicable resolution but eventually escalated the matter to FIFA after negotiations stalled. The governing body ruled in favor of the Mexican club, ordering full payment within a set deadline.
When Corinthians failed to meet that deadline, FIFA imposed a transfer ban, preventing the club from registering new players in official competitions. The sanction significantly limited squad planning and forced the club to rely on its existing roster and academy options.
As interest, fines, and procedural costs accumulated, the case became a priority issue inside the club and a recurring topic in both Brazilian and Mexican media. Santos Laguna maintained a firm position throughout the process, insisting on full compliance with the original contract.
The Félix Torres case ultimately exposed structural and financial challenges at Corinthians and served as a cautionary example of the sporting consequences of unresolved international obligations.
With the agreement now in place, the club is set to close one of the most consequential off-field disputes of recent years and regain access to the transfer market.
