Corinthians lifted the Copa do Brasil trophy. However, the financial impact of the title is likely to be minimal.
Ongoing debts in the transfer market, most notably with Santos Laguna, have placed the club under a FIFA transfer ban. This ban limits its ability to register new players.
The outstanding amount related to the case is estimated at around R$30 million.
Território MLS, in collaboration with Mexican journalist Axel Ramírez of VAVEL, has learned that negotiations between the clubs are still ongoing, but remain far from a resolution.
Corinthians is attempting to negotiate a payment plan similar to the arrangement previously reached with Matías Rojas, proposing installment terms. Santos Laguna, however, is demanding full payment upfront.
This puts the Mexican club in a strong negotiating position. By taking the case to FIFA, Santos Laguna secured a transfer ban against Corinthians. This ban prevents the Brazilian side from registering new players until the debt is settled or a formal agreement is reached.
Sources told Território MLS that a solution before the end of 2025 appears unlikely. Any potential resolution is now pushed into early 2026.
Corinthians say they’ve paid — Santos Laguna say they haven’t
The dispute stems from the signing of defender Félix Torres.
He joined Corinthians in early 2024 after a deal with Santos Laguna. The agreed transfer fee was approximately US$6.5 million. Corinthians paid an initial US$2 million down payment but failed to honor the remaining installments scheduled throughout 2024 and 2025.
Following the missed payments, Santos Laguna escalated the case to FIFA.
The matter was later reviewed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which upheld the ruling against Corinthians and set a deadline for full payment or a negotiated settlement.
When the deadline passed without resolution, FIFA imposed a formal transfer ban on August 12, 2025. This sanction prevents Corinthians from registering new players in official competitions while the debt remains unpaid. Under FIFA regulations, the ban can extend across three transfer windows. The club could be barred from registering reinforcements until the 2027 season if no agreement is reached.
Internally, Corinthians attempted multiple strategies to reverse or delay the punishment. Appeals to CAS were rejected. Direct negotiation with Santos Laguna is now the only viable path. The club has continued to push for a structured payment plan. It is also exploring legal and administrative avenues to reduce the immediate impact of the sanction.
Meanwhile, interest, penalties, and contractual fines have increased the total amount owed. This has further complicated the situation. Club officials have acknowledged the issue as a top priority. They recognize that squad planning and competitiveness are directly affected by the inability to operate freely in the transfer market.
The Félix Torres case is not isolated. Corinthians are also dealing with financial disputes involving players such as Rodrigo Garro and Matías Rojas.
These issues raise broader concerns among supporters about the club’s financial stability and its long-term ability to meet contractual obligations.
