FIFA hands Chelsea two consecutive transfer window bans
Premier League giants Chelsea have been hit by a ban by FIFA which will see them not taking part in two consecutive transfer windows. The development took place after Chelsea were found to have breached FIFA's regulations in terms of transfers of U-18 international players. England's Football Association (FA) and Chelsea have also been fined by FIFA. Details follow.
Which are the regulations that Chelsea have breached?
FIFA, in their statement, said that Chelsea have been found to have breached Article 19 of their regulations in 29 transfer cases of minors. They have breached Article 18bis in two cases of international transfer of minors. As a result, they have been banned for two consecutive transfer windows. However, the women's and futsal team do not fall under the ban.
The investigation was carried out for three years
The reports of Chelsea being investigated first surfaced in 2017. It was reported that Chelsea had misled several players like former striker Bertrand Traore who had made 25 appearances for the club despite not being registered with the Football Association. Chelsea will not be the first club to receive such a ban, which had previously been imposed upon Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona.
What next for FA and Chelsea?
FIFA has fined Chelsea a sum of CHF 600,000 while the FA has been fined CHF 510,000 for their breach of regulations. Chelsea have been given 90 days by FIFA to regularize the situation, while FA have been given a period of six months for the same. However, Chelsea have decided to appeal against the decision at the FIFA Appeal Committee.
