Chelsea handed two-window transfer ban for breaching FIFA rules

Chelsea has been handed a two-window transfer ban by FIFA, after systemically breaching rules regarding the signing of foreign Under-18 players.

A rough couple of weeks for the Blues took another turn for the worst, as FIFA handed them a transfer ban that means they will not be able to sign any players until after the January 2020 window. Chelsea has indicated that they will appeal the decision.

The ban comes after FIFA investigated how Chelsea signed foreign Under-18 players to their academy. The Blues are infamous for hoovering up young players and sending them out on loan, with the current loanee total standing at 41.

FIFA had charged Chelsea with 92 breaches of article 19, which pertains to the registration of youth players. The club was found guilty on 29 counts and has been fined 600,000 Swiss francs, in addition to the ban. They have also been given 90 days to regularise the situation of the players involved, which could include being forced to move them on to new clubs.

Chelsea released a statement, saying: “Chelsea FC categorically refutes the findings of the Fifa disciplinary committee and will, therefore, be appealing the decision. Initially, Chelsea FC was charged under Articles 19.1 and 19.3 in relation to 92 players.

We welcome the fact that 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. Chelsea FC acted in accordance with the relevant regulations.”

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It is possible for Chelsea to take their appeal to the Court for Arbitration of Sport, and delay the final resolution of this case long enough to allow them to make signings this summer.

Additionally, FIFA also charged the Football Association, since they are responsible for processing Chelsea signings. The FA was hit with a fine of 510,000 Swiss francs, and have been given “six months to address the situation concerning the international transfer and first registration of minors in football”.

This news comes at a bad time for beleaguered Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri. He has seen his side dumped out of the FA Cup, and fans have begun to turn on him. This Sunday, his side faces Manchester City in the League Cup final, with memories of their 6-0 thrashing still fresh in the Blues’ minds.

Another concern is Eden Hazard’s situation, with the sparking forward linked to Real Madrid. Callum Hudson-Odoi is another player that wants to leave, with Bayern Munich interested. Other squad players, such as Olivier Giroud, Gary Cahill and Pedro, are coming to the end of their contracts.

For a club that needs to rebuild, this transfer ban could not have come at a worse time.