Gateshead FC have claimed the Football Association are investigating a registration ban imposed on them by FIFA, according to Chronicle Live. The Tynesiders' name has reappeared on a list of clubs under a registration ban on the FIFA website, reportedly in place since May, though the club says it received no notification from world football’s governing body until last week.
Echoes of Previous Predicament
The situation mirrors the financial fallout Gateshead faced 12 months ago, when a historic transfer involving defender Harrison Clark—signed after a spell with Scottish club Livingston—led to a ban on registering new players and contracts. That issue was resolved in early July, allowing the National League club to register new additions ahead of the dramatic 2025/26 campaign.
Current Impact on Squad
Chronicle Live understands Gateshead have had no issues registering their solitary new signing, former Sunderland academy defender Tommy Lavery. New contracts for players like Fenton John and Josh Home have also been registered without problem. The situation is not expected to hamper manager Lee Cattermole’s efforts to strengthen the squad ahead of his first season in charge.
Chronicle Live has approached FIFA and the Football Association for further comment.
Cattermole’s Positive Start
Meanwhile, Cattermole reflected positively on the first week of pre-season friendlies. His side followed a 6-0 win at Northern League club Blyth Town with draws at Heaton Stannington and National League North newcomers Hebburn Town. The former Middlesbrough and Sunderland midfielder will oversee an in-house fixture on Saturday before hosting Premier League neighbours Newcastle United next Saturday—the first meeting since a 3-2 win for the Magpies three years ago.
Cattermole told Chronicle Live: “We chucked the Heaton friendly in and that was a good test on a long pitch. They were a big, physical team, they loaded our box, it was like a cup tie and it was great seeing the lads stand up to that. Hebburn was similar and we moved the ball brilliantly at times. You could see a lot of stuff we have been working on and there is a team being shaped there. I don’t like saying it’s just pre-season because there is work to be done and we need to prepare. We know where we are at, teams will be well-drilled and we will be the same. We are sure we can get it right.”
