November 5 – The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will hear Chelsea’s appeal against their two-window transfer ban on November 20.
FIFA imposed the sanction in February for Chelsea breaking transfer rules relating to minors from abroad but under Frank Lampard the club has enjoyed unexpected success this season by using existing squad members, up-and-coming young players and some of those previously out on loan.
Chelsea were unsuccessful in overturning the decision when they presented their case to FIFA’s appeals committee in April and now CAS will rule on the issue.
FIFA found the London club guilty of breaching article 19 of its regulations on the status and transfer of players, which concerns the protection of minors. Documents published by FIFA last week showed its appeals committee found Chelsea had committed no fewer than 150 breaches involving around 70 players.
The appeals committee agreed with the disciplinary committee that the breaches were “inexcusable”. Chelsea were also judged to have broken rules prohibiting third-party influence on players.
Chelsea have already served half the ban on registering new players during the summer window and reports say CAS hope to come to a decision before the January mid-season window opens, thus allowing Lampard to potentially bolster his squad. Not that he needs to on current form.
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