Breaking Report: Chelsea Facing Transfer Ban as FIFA Already Launched Investigation

Chelsea face the prospect of being slapped with a transfer ban after coming under inspection for breaking FIFA regulations in their recruit young talent, according to latest reports.

It has emerged that Burkina Faso international Bertrand Traore played for Chelsea’s under 18’s squad when aged 16, in an evident breach of FIFA regulations.

However, the Blues insist they have broken no rules and understand that Traore was the subject of a special agreement which allowed him to feature in friendly games.

Youngster agreed to join the Blues from French Club Auxerre in 2010 but managed to officially sign for Chelsea in 2014.

According to our sources, “the Burkina Faso international joined the Stamford Bridge outfit in 2010 but because of work permit issues he didn’t play for the Blues until this season, spending a season out on loan in Vitesse last season and performed very well.”

Press Association Sport supplied a couple of questions to Chelsea in order to gain a response on the matter to clarify the issue regarding Traore’s involvement in games when he was under 18.

Chelsea spokesperson said: “Bertrand Traore was registered by Chelsea FC in January 2014 in compliance with FA and Premier League Rules. Prior to that date, he was party to an option agreement which enabled the club to acquire his registration in January 2014. The option agreement was registered with, and approved by, both The FA and the Premier League.”            

Meanwhile, A FIFA spokesperson told Press Association Sport: “We are not in a position to comment on any investigations that are ongoing so as not to compromise the process, nor do we provide any comments as to whether or not any investigations are under way.”

FIFA rule prohibits the international transfer of young players (who are under the age of 18) but Chelsea have since released a statement claiming that they had an approval from both the Premier League and FA.

This appears to be a similar situation to the one facing Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid and the one Barcelona once previously found themselves in.

Real and Atletico have been handed transfer bans for two transfer windows. Chelsea were handed a transfer ban a while back over the transfer of Gael Kakuta although that was later suspended. The Press Association reportedly have a photograph of Traore taking part in the game at the Emirates Stadium.