The footballing world was shocked on Friday after FIFA announced that Chelsea have been banned from registering players for two transfer windows after being found to have breached rules regarding the signing of players aged under 18 which could have serious ramifications at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have already confirmed that they will appeal but Friday’s news has undeniably added to the sense of doom and gloom presently surrounding Stamford Bridge and in an official statement, expressed their disappointment by the governing body.
“Chelsea FC has today received a decision from the FIFA Disciplinary Committee concerning alleged breaches of the FIFA Regulations that relate to the international transfer of players under the age of 18,” reads the statement.
The club have also been fined £400,000 ($520,000) for their alleged misdemeanours, but it is the transfer ban which could obviously prove far costlier.
“The decision imposes a transfer ban of two consecutive registration periods and a fine of 600k Swiss francs. Chelsea FC categorically refutes the findings of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee and will therefore be appealing the decision.
Chelsea have been characterised by having a plethora of stars at other clubs, and now may need to tap into that pool of talent.
Currently, there are 41 players at other clubs and they could be used should an appeal by Chelsea be rejected.
“The club wishes to emphasise that it respects the important work undertaken by FIFA in relation to the protection of minors and has fully cooperated with FIFA throughout its investigation. 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 and will shortly be submitting its appeal to FIFA,” concludes the statement.