What is the consequence of conducting an international transfer without a letter of clearance?

Conducting an international transfer without a letter of clearance results in the transfer being considered invalid. The letter of clearance is a crucial document that verifies that the player has fulfilled all contractual obligations with their previous club and that the club has consented to the transfer. Without this documentation, the integrity of the transfer is compromised, leading to its invalid status.

The significance of the letter of clearance lies in its role in ensuring that players do not have overlapping contracts, which can create disputes over player rights and responsibilities. National and international governing bodies, such as FIBA, require this document to maintain clear boundaries and ensure fair play in player transfers. As a result, the absence of a letter of clearance invalidates the transfer, leaving the player tied to their previous club and ineligible to play for the new team.