Chelsea hit with two-window transfer ban
FIFA has sanctioned Premier League club Chelsea after they determined they had breached transfer regulations.
Chelsea have been banned from making any signings in the next two transfer windows by FIFA following a breach of regulations regarding the registration of young players.
The ban lasts until the end of January 2020, meaning the club will not be able to sign any new players until summer 2020. The club will still be allowed to sell players in this time, and the ban does not apply to the club's women's and futsal teams.
The Premier League outfit have said they will appeal the decision, which also includes a fine of £460,000, while the English Football Association (FA) has been fined £390,000. Chelsea's signing of foreign under-18 players is believed to be the cause of the ruling, including their former striker Bertrand Traore. The club have also released a statement regarding FIFA's decision:
"We welcome the fact Fifa has accepted that there was no breach in relation to 63 of these players, but the club is extremely disappointed that Fifa has not accepted the club's submissions in relation to the remaining 29 players," it said. "Chelsea acted in accordance with the relevant regulations and will shortly be submitting its appeal to Fifa."
A statement released by the FA outlined the organisation's disappointment with the fine imposed upon them, saying that "The FA intends to appeal against the decision. We will, however, continue to work with Fifa and Chelsea in a constructive manner to address the issues which are raised by this case."