Yes, you heard it right. The Barcelona transfer ban has been upheld.
Earlier this year in April, FIFA had imposed a hefty fourteen month ban on the Spanish club, after finding irregularities in compliance to the FIFA’s rules on transfer of players who fall under the bracket of eighteen years of age.
Barcelona had expressed their discomfort and utmost disappointment on this matter, leading to an appeal against the decision. The appeal was eventually rejected by FIFA in August, but in the weeks leading up to the final decision, Barcelona were able to make a number of signings, including prolific striker Luis Suarez, as the decision on the appeal by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) had not been made.
Earlier today, a CAS statement said: “The panel found in particular that FC Barcelona had breached the rules regarding the protection of minors and the registration of minors attending football academies.
“Accordingly, the FIFA decision is confirmed in full and the sanction remains in force.”
This means that Barcelona will not be able to sign any players during 2015. This will hurt Barça’s La Liga title bid, as well as their hopes of winning the UEFA Champions League or Copa Del Rey, and their attempt at keeping their dominance alive in this era of Spanish and European football.
The President of FC Barcelona, Josep Maria Bartomeu, has expressed his disappointment and unhappiness with the decision.
His reaction as reproduced by the official FCB website was:
“A great injustice has been committed today: an injustice for Barça, for all the children and parents affected by this decision, for all the Club members and for football in general. We have always made it clear that we consider FIFA’s sanction to be disproportionate. This judgement by CAS, which ratifies FIFA’s decision, is not good for us and defies all sporting logic.”
It is yet to be seen as to what effect this decision will have on the mindset of the players. With the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr. and Luis Suarez, Barcelona can certainly influence the table in the way they want. It is yet to be seen, however, as to whether they can win the trophies they desire.
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