Although the ban does not cover the current January transfer window, it could have a far-reaching impact on the global transfer market over 2016 and 2017 as the two clubs are prevented from signing any players in next summer’s window or the January 2017 window.
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The sanction was handed down by the governing body’s Disciplinary Committee as a outcome of breaches “relating to the worldwide transfer and registration of players under the age of 18”, but Zidane finds it hard to understand FIFA’s verdict. The clubs have also been fined with Atletico due to pay £622,000 and Real set to pay £249,000 as part of the punishment.
“But they will appeal, the appeal will cancel the ban, and they will be allowed to buy in the next two transfer windows”.
Both clubs have until the end of the month to register new players before the ban takes effect.
But Chelsea also know the ban – for transfer irregularities on young players – will have a massive impact on their own attempts to sign players.
Barcelona were able to sign six players in the summer of 2014 while the appeals were ongoing against the ban. These rules involve the worldwide transfers of players under the age of 18.
Both clubs immediately announced their intention to appeal, with Sanchez and Real’s director of legal services Javier Lopez Farre appearing at a press conference at the Bernabeu on Thursday evening.
Barcelona were hit with same punishment for a similar breach, with their ban lifted only this month.
On Thursday, FIFA sanctioned two more La Liga sides over the worldwide transfers of minors.
The probe concerned players who participated in competitions with the clubs between 2007 and 2014 in the case of Atletico, and between 2005 and 2014 in the case of Real Madrid.
Madrid believe documentation sent by the RFEF to Federation Internationale de Football Association on April 17, 2014, in addition to papers filed on April 8 previous year, will clear them of all charges.
“Not being able to sign is a problem because the seasons are very long and you always need players”.
But when asked about the possibility of selling De Gea to Real Madrid, Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal expressed confidence that the 25-year-old goalkeeper is committed to the Red Devils.
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Indeed, Atletico have already made two additions to their squad in January in Argentine global midfielders Matias Kranevitter and Augusto Fernandez.
