Wilstermann lifts FIFA blockades, begins 'operation return'

Bolivian football club Wilstermann has successfully lifted all FIFA-related blockades, clearing the path for player registration and its "operation return" to the top tier of Bolivian football. The club announced Thursday that it has reached financial agreements with former players and coaches who had filed lawsuits, resolving the disputes that prevented it from signing new talent.

The final hurdle was an agreement with former captain Cristian 'Pochi' Chávez, an Argentine player who had lodged a demand against the club. The club's new administration, operating under Sociedad Anónima Wilstermann 360, successfully negotiated a financial settlement with Chávez, leading to the withdrawal of his demand. This resolution is seen as a critical step for the club's rebuilding process.

With these FIFA issues resolved, Wilstermann is now eligible to register new players and strengthen its squad for the upcoming Association of Football Cochabamba (AFC) tournament. The club aims to secure promotion back to the Professional Division, a goal that seemed distant after its relegation in 2025. The new administration has tackled 15 demands filed with FIFA, signaling a significant effort towards institutional and sporting reconstruction.