Chelsea Given Two Transfer-Window Ban

By Joshua Walters

Chelsea woes are unlikely to end soon as the English club has been handed a transfer embargo for two transfer windows by world football governing body, FIFA.

The London-based Premier League club has also been fined about £460,000, same as the English FA, who also faces a £390,000 fine. 

Both Chelsea and the FA have refuted the details of the findings by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee and given notice that they would appeal the fine and verdict respectively.

Chelsea were found guilty of 29 counts of contravening article 19, which relates to the transfer of players aged under 18.

FIFA has, however, handed Chelsea 90 days to correct the situation concerning the players signed.

One of the signings under contention was Bertrand Traore in 2013 aside from the club being found guilty of breaching the regulations twice relating to third-party influence as stipulated in article 18b.

Chelsea, the ruling, would be able to sell players, but not register any new signings.

"This ban applies to the club as a whole - with the exception of the women's and futsal teams - and does not prevent the release of players," FIFA said in a statement.

Chelsea said in a statement on Friday they "categorically refute the findings of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee and will, therefore, be appealing the decision".

The FA, in a statement also said: “The FA has co-operated fully with FIFA’s investigations, although we have raised some concerns with FIFA regarding its disciplinary processes. The FA intends to appeal the decision.”

“We will, however, continue to work with FIFA and Chelsea in a constructive manner to address the issues which are raised by this case. As this is an ongoing legal process it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”