Chelsea's
appeal against their two-window transfer ban will be heard this week. Here
are all the details about what happens next.
Why were Chelsea given a transfer ban?
FIFA handed down a two-window transfer ban to Chelsea in February, meaning
they were unable to sign any new players in the summer transfer window, and
will not be able to bring in anyone from another club in January either.
The game's world governing body found Chelsea guilty of breaching two of its
regulations on player transfers, specifically regarding bringing in U18s and
'third-party influence'.
Chelsea were found to have committed 150 breaches concerning almost 70
academy players, including claiming they were trialists and had not played
in official games for the club's youth sides - but one was found to have
participated in 75 games across a three-year period.
The club also had their first appeal thrown out by FIFA's appeal committee
in April, when it was criticised for "inexcusable" breaches of the
regulations.
How come Chelsea signed Mateo Kovacic and Christian Pulisic in the
summer?
Technically, Chelsea's transfer ban is a ban on 'registering' new players.
Pulisic was signed in January 2019, but loaned back to Borussia Dortmund for
the rest of 2018/19.
Kovacic had only been on loan at Chelsea from Real Madrid, but because he
was already registered with the club, they were able to make his move into a
permanent one during the summer transfer window.
What's happening now?
Chelsea have gone to the Court of Arbitration in Sport (CAS), a
multi-national court used to judge on contentious issues.
That new appeal will begin in Switzerland on Wednesday, with both the club
and FIFA set to make submissions about the case during the hearing.
What happens next?
A decision is not expected immediately on whether Chelsea's ban is reduced,
but it is thought it should come in time for Chelsea to prepare for the
January transfer window - if they are going to be allowed to participate.
The club has been linked with a number of players in anticipation of any
potential redemption, but will not be able to bring in any new additions
until the summer unless CAS rules in their favour.
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