03 September
Chelsea shocked with 1-year signings ban
Chelsea have been hit with a ban by FIFA to sign any new players till January 2011 because they ‘induced’ Gael Kakuta to breach his contract at Lens.
French attacking midfielder Kakuta, 18, joined the Blues from Lens two years ago after which the French club lodged a complaint with FIFA.
FIFA’s dispute resolution chamber (DRC) have announced Chelsea will be banned from registering any new players for the next two transfer windows – effectively January 2011 will be the next time they can make a new signing unless they win an appeal.
A FIFA spokesman said: “This decision confirms our aim to ensure contractual stability. It is an important ruling for football in general.”
Chelsea have been ordered to pay £115,000 (130,000euros) training compensation to Lens, and are also liable for the £680,000 (780,000euros) compensation sum ordered against Kakuta himself, who is banned from playing any games for four months.
