Gateshead had been under a registration ban after an historic transfer issue
Gateshead FC
Gateshead have received a major boost ahead of their opening pre-season friendly after they confirmed a registration ban placed on them by FIFA had been lifted by world football’s governing body.
The ban has been hanging over the National League club for a number of months following an issue with a transfer that saw Harrison Clark join Gateshead during the summer of 2023 after a spell in Scotland with the likes of Livingston and Arbroath.
Discussions to resolve the issue have been ongoing and approached a conclusion last week as Gateshead chairman Bernard McWilliams continued to liaise with the Football Association, FIFA and a number of other clubs that found themselves in a similar situation.
Speaking at a Gateshead FC Supporters Society meeting on Thursday evening, McWilliams stated he was expected an update on his attempts to have the ban lifted over the following 24 hours and would have a further update as soon as possible.
Confirmation over the lifting of the ban was received from FIFA on Monday and the Heed will now head into Tuesday’s friendly at Northern Premier League neighbours Hebburn Town knowing they are free to register any new additions to their squad.
McWilliams said: “I mentioned at the fans talk-in last Thursday that we were close to having the ban lifted, and I am now pleased to say that official confirmation has been received by FIFA and we are all good to go with registering our new signings.
“I would like to thank supporters for their patience on this matter, and we can now push on with our preparations for the 2025/26 season”
The Heed have already completed the signings of Hartlepool United left-back David Ferguson and former Middlesbrough right-back Callum Johnson after he left League Two club Bradford City earlier this summer.
Further new additions are being worked on and new manager Alun Armstrong will hope to continue strengthening his squad ahead of his first season in charge at the International Stadium.
The former Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town striker has been pleased with the reaction of the squad he inherited since their return to pre-season training and is now hoping to add more are faces to his ranks over the coming days and weeks.
“The work-rate from the lads has been fantastic, there have been smiles on faces and I knew the situation wasn’t too bad,” he told Chronicle Live ahead of Tuesday night’s visit to Hebburn.
“I knew what I had, I knew there was a lot of talent and we are working on adding to it. There are heads of recruitment calling and asking if we want players because they can see what we can do for them.
“I have to make sure it’s the right ones because the budget is what it is and I’ve got to make sure it’s the right player.
“Hopefully there will be more coming in over the next few days.”
Gateshead will face Sunderland in their first home pre-season friendly of the summer on Saturday lunchtime (12.30pm kick-off).