Chelsea are being investigated over a potential breach of young player regulations, FIFA have confirmed.
It’s the third time in eight years in which the Blues have faced such action from the footballing governing body. They were banned from signing new players across two transfer windows in regards to Gael Kakuta’s move from Lens in 2007.
Upon appeal that penalty was overturned, but the west London outfit were investigated once again a few years later over the transfer of Bertrand Traore after he signed a contract after his 18th birthday – despite appearing in an under-18’s match at the age of 16.
As per Sky Sports, “FIFA rules prohibit the international transfer of players under the age of 18 unless their parents have emigrated for reasons not connected to football or both the player and club are based within 50 kilometres of a national border.
“The only other exception is for transfers within either the European Union or European Economic Area (EEA), where the minimum age is 16.
“In those cases, clubs must still ensure that the player continues his education and studies for an alternative career, as well as making sure he has a high living standard.“
This afternoon, FIFA have responded to questions in the media surrounding the reigning Premier League champions’ policy of signing foreign players under the age of 18 and confirmed they are looking into the matter.
“We can confirm that an investigation is ongoing,” FIFA said in an email.
“We cannot provide any details concerning the matters under investigation.”
A Chelsea spokesman told British media that the club complies with all FIFA statutes and regulations when recruiting players. If found guilty then the Blues could incur another transfer ban.
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