Chelsea
are following developments at Manchester City with interest after the
Premier League champions avoided a transfer ban for breaching rules on
under-18 signings,
Sky Sports News understands.
City were fined £315,000 on Tuesday, but were not given a transfer ban after
FIFA revealed their admission of responsibility was a factor in determining
their punishment.
Chelsea meanwhile were handed a one-year transfer ban and fined more than
£460,000 in February, and are currently in the process of challenging their
sanction to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The club have declined to comment, but it is understood they are monitoring
City's situation closely as their appeal against signing new players
continues.
FIFA officials clarified to Sky Sports News why City were fined less and
avoided a ban for breaching the same article as Chelsea, stating the
circumstances were different.
"In its decision on Manchester City, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee took into
consideration all specific circumstances of the case as well as the club's
cooperation in clarifying the relevant facts," a FIFA spokesperson told Sky
Sports News.
"It is important to stress that the specific circumstances of this case
differ from previous cases involving breaches relating to the international
transfer and registration of players under the age of 18."
FIFA's Disciplinary Code states:
“The judicial body shall take into account all relevant factors of the case,
including any assistance of and substantial cooperation by the offender in
uncovering or establishing a breach of any FIFA rule, the circumstances and
the degree of the offender’s guilt and any other relevant circumstances.”
City said the breaches arose after a "misinterpretation of the regulations
in question", adding in a statement that they have been fully compliant
since December 2016.
Man City statement in full
Manchester City FC can confirm that it has today received a reprimand and a
CHF 370,000 fine following the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee
concerning the international transfer of players under the age of 18,
particularly in relation to their trial periods and participation in
friendly games.
The Club accepts responsibility for the breaches which arose as a result of
misinterpretation of the regulations in question. All of the breaches
occurred before December 2016 when guidance on the interpretation of the
provisions was issued, since which date Manchester City has been fully
compliant.
The Club regards highly and shares FIFA’s determination to ensure the
protection of minors in football and has cooperated fully with the
investigation which has been transparent and evidenced based at all times.
City, who are still currently under investigations from FIFA and UEFA with
regards to financial fair play, were found to have breached article 19 of
the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.
What does Article 19 say?
International transfers are only allowed if the player is over 18 -
unless...
Player’s parents move to the buying club’s country for non-footballing
reasons
Transfer is within EU or European Economic Area and player is between 16 and
18
They live in another country within 100km of the club
FIFA's statement added: "The protection of minors is a key element in FIFA's
overall regulatory framework relating to the transfer of players, and the
effective enforcement of these rules is paramount, as has also been
confirmed on various occasions by the Court of Arbitration for Sport."
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