Madrid clubs set to appeal transfer bans

Additionally, Atletico and Real have been fined 900,000 Swiss francs ($895,000) and 360,000 Swiss francs ($358,000) respectively, while both clubs have been issued with a reprimand and given 90 days in which to regularise the situation of all minor players concerned.

Barca appealed to both Federation Internationale de Football Association and the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the ruling, but ultimately lost both bids.

Both clubs have said they plan to appeal the ban, with Real Madrid calling it “absolutely unacceptable” in a statement.

“This is done through the enforcement of regulations prohibiting the global transfer of minors, or the first registration of minors in a country other than their own, except in specific circumstances”.

Atletico also announced they will appeal, although president Enrique Cerezo insisted they would be able to cope with a ban.

The Spanish league has spoken out in defence of local clubs and their tradition of protecting under-age players, calling FIFA’s sanctions “disproportionate”. We just hope justice prevails and there are no consequences for the club.

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea came close to a move to Madrid last summer.

“The case of the Zidane family or that of (former Real player Ezequiel) Garay’s brother are well known and are an example of how absurd this is. I assure you all the other cases they are sanctioning the club for are exactly the same”.

Madrid can still sign players – as Barca did with Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan during their suspension – but they cannot be registered, and therefore will not be eligible, until the start of the 2017-18 season. Chelsea believe this will give them a better chance of luring their top managerial target to the club, with Abramovich set to offer the Argentinian a healthy transfer kitty to seal the deal. “The arguments made are erroneous”.

Barcelona were hit with a similar punishment in April 2014, although a series of appeals meant their sanction did not begin until January 2015.

Barcelona were able to sign six players in the summer of 2014 while the appeals were ongoing against the ban.

Despite Wednesday’s announcement, both clubs will still be able to make acquisitions throughout the January transfer window.

The news is the latest off-field blow for Real having sacked two Champions League winning coaches in Carlo Ancelotti and Rafael Benitez in the past seven months, as well as being thrown out of the Copa del Rey for fielding an ineligible player.