Chelsea is "under investigation for the third time in eight years over a potential breach" of FIFA regulations on youth players, according to Ben Rumsby of the London TELEGRAPH. The governing body confirmed on Tuesday that it "launched an inquiry into the club’s conduct involving signing foreigners under the age of 18." Chelsea overturned a transfer ban imposed in '09 over its '07 recruitment of Gaël Kakuta from Spanish side Lens, while the club was investigated last year over "Bertrand Traoré's move to Stamford Bridge after pictures emerged of the midfielder" playing for Chelsea before he had int'l clearance (
TELEGRAPH, 9/20). In London, Jack Austin reported Chelsea insisted it has "fully complied" with FIFA's rules and regulations. Responding to the reports, a Chelsea spokesperson said, "Chelsea FC complies with all FIFA Statutes and Regulations when recruiting players." Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid "were both banned from signing players for similar reasons" in recent seasons. While Real Madrid had its ban overturned, Atlético still cannot "register new players until January." Chelsea's case "is not thought to be as serious as those of the two Spanish clubs" (
INDEPENDENT, 9/20). REUTERS' Alan Baldwin reported FIFA rules prohibit the int'l 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 50km of a national border. The "only other exception" is for transfers within either the European Union or European Economic Area, 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" (
REUTERS, 9/20).
