FIFA bans Barcelona from transfers

“FC Barcelona has been found to be in breach of article 19 of the regulations in the case of 10 minor players…”

Spanish giants, Barcelona, have incurred FIFA wrath and have been slammed with a year-long transfer ban for breaching the football governing body’s  rules on the transfer of players below 18 years.

The ban from the world football governing body is coming at a time when the club is also under investigation for the transfers of Neymar and David Villa.

Barcelona were fingered in shady deals involving as many as 10 minors.

Aside the transfer embargo for two transfer windows, Barcelona were Wednesday also fined 450,000 Swiss francs.

For colluding with FC Barcelona, the Spanish FA were also asked to pay 500,000 Swiss francs for rule breaches by registering the players.

A statement on fifa.com reads; “FC Barcelona has been found to be in breach of article 19 of the regulations in the case of 10 minor players and to have committed several other concurrent infringements in the context of other players.

“The disciplinary committee regarded the infringements as serious and decided to sanction the club with a transfer ban at both national and international level for two complete and consecutive transfer periods, together with a fine of 450,000 Swiss francs.

“Additionally, the club was granted a period of 90 days in which to regularise the situation of all minor players concerned.”

Barcelona are also having it rough on the pitch as they are in a fierce battle to retain their La Liga crown as well as make progress in the UEFA Champions League having played out a disappointing 1-1 draw in their first leg tie against Atletico Madrid in the quarterfinal.