FIFA to investigate Chelsea over youth transfer policy
FIFA is investigating Chelsea for the third time in eight years over a potential breach of young player regulations.
This afternoon, FIFA responded to questions about media reports about the West London club signing foreign players under the age of 18.
The football governing body said in an email: "We can confirm that an investigation is ongoing.
"We cannot provide any details concerning the matters under investigation."
FIFA regulations prohibit the international transfer of player under the age of 18 unless the player's parents have emigrated for reasons not involved with football or both the club and player are based within 50 kilometres of a national border.
The only exception is for transfers within either the European Union or European Economic Area, in which case the minimum age changes to 16.
In those instances, the club must still make sure the player continues his education and studies for an alternative career, as well as ensuring he has a high living standard.
A Chelsea spokesman insisted to British media that the club complies with all FIFA statutes and regulations when recruiting young players.
Chelsea have already been investigated twice over the signing of minors.
The current Premier League champions were banned from signing players for two transfer windows in 2009 over Gael Kakuta's move from Lens to Stamford Bridge in 2007, although they overturned the penalty on appeal in 2010.
They were also investigated over the signing of Bertrand Traore. The Burkina Faso international was signed after his 18th birthday but had already appeared in an under-18 match in 2011 when he was 16.