FIFA rejects Barcelona appeal against transfer ban

ZURICH - The Associated Press

FC Barcelona's Luis Suarez holds up his jersey during his presentation at the Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona August 19, 2014. REUTERS Photo

FIFA has rejected Barcelona's appeal against one-year transfer ban as punishment for repeatedly breaching transfer regulations in signing youth players.
     
The ban on signing any players will apply for the whole of 2015, covering the January and summer transfer windows. Because Barca appealed, the punishment was frozen during the current transfer window, which closes on Sept. 1 and allowed them to sign striker Luis Suarez.
     
FIFA found the signing of 10 un-named players to be in breach of its rules covering the protection of minors. A fine of 450,000 Swiss francs ($494,000) was also imposed on Barcelona.
     
The Spanish Football Federation was also found to have violated FIFA rules covering the registration of minors. Its appeal against a fine of 500,000 Swiss francs ($565,500) was also rejected.