Irish Premiership: Crusaders placed under transfer embargo by IFA

Irish Premiership: Crusaders placed under transfer embargo by IFA reports that Crusaders have been placed under a transfer embargo by the Irish Football Association (IFA) following a breach of Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) rules and regulations. Despite the north Belfast club announcing the signings of Graham Kelly, Aaron Reid, Thomas Maguire and Owen Wardell, the article says the four players are understood to not have been registered with the IFA. Crusaders struggled in the Irish Premiership last season but retained top-flight status after beating Annagh United in the promotion/relegation play-off. The article notes the specific Premiership rule breached remains unclear, though NIFL said it is working closely with the club to resolve an outstanding matter while the embargo is in place. Both Crusaders and the IFA declined comment. They start their campaign at Solitude versus Cliftonville on 7 August, then host Ballymena United the following weekend.