Atlético, Real Madrid Reportedly Expecting FIFA To Uphold Transfer Bans

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) "is likely to be the next port of call" for both Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid regarding their respective transfer bans imposed by FIFA, whose appeals committee is "set to reject the duo's overtures," according to José Félix Díaz of MARCA. Both sides appealed the initial verdict "but are far from optimistic in seeing it reversed -- or even downgraded to one from the current two transfer windows -- given that such a move would be unprecedented from the world governing body." The clubs are "already gearing up to take their appeal to the highest court in the shape of CAS." Once FIFA issue its verdict, the appeal to the Switzerland-based CAS "must be filed within a maximum of five days" (MARCA, 7/16).