Chelsea have confirmed that they will appeal FIFA’s decision to ban them from registering new players for the next two transfer windows.
FIFA found Chelsea guilty of breaching rules regarding the signings of 29 minors, casting doubt over permanent deals for ex-Inter midfielder Mateo Kovacic and Juventus loanee Gonzalo Higuain.
Chelsea have confirmed that they will appeal FIFA’s decision to ban them from registering new players for the next two transfer windows.
FIFA found Chelsea guilty of breaching rules regarding the signings of 29 minors, casting doubt over permanent deals for ex-Inter midfielder Mateo Kovacic and Juventus loanee Gonzalo Higuain.
However, the Blues hit back in an official statement: “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.
“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.
“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.”
Kovacic seems unlikely to remain a Chelsea player next season at this stage, given his loan does not include an option to buy, but Higuain’s does, as well as that of an extra season.
The future of manager Maurizio Sarri has also come back under the spotlight, amidst speculation of a move to Roma next season.