Barcelona transfer ban: Fifa issues 14-month sanction (football, league, clubs)

[paull805]

Spanish champions Barcelona have been given a 14-month transfer ban by Fifa for breaking rules on signing international players under 18.

The Catalan club cannot buy or sell players until the summer of 2015 after the world governing body imposed a transfer ban for the next two windows.

Barcelona banned from making transfers in the next two windows | Football News | Sky Sports

[BrianH]

I just read that. Do you think they'll appeal (aka offer some brown envelopes) and have the period removed or shortened ?
If not it has to be a worrying punishment for a lot of clubs as you know Barca are not the only ones doing it.

[paull805]

Chelsea, a young Scot moved there at 14 if I remember rightly. Also maybe Celtic.

[Red_Devil]

Originally Posted by BrianH

I just read that. Do you think they'll appeal (aka offer some brown envelopes) and have the period removed or shortened ?
If not it has to be a worrying punishment for a lot of clubs as you know Barca are not the only ones doing it.

They will appeal, possibly pushing the punishment back til after the Summer market period. Then it will be decreased to only 1 period suspension.

[miamihurricane555]

Originally Posted by Red_Devil

They will appeal, possibly pushing the punishment back til after the Summer market period. Then it will be decreased to only 1 period suspension.

if they push it back then it will include summer 2015 as well. I honestly view this as the final nail in the coffin for barcelona. No way they stay relevant in the champs league next year or the next 3 years after as they will have to rebuild.

[BrianH]

They have a badass youth system and still have the best forward in the world with Messi. How on earth will they be irrelevant ?

[mos1992]

Originally Posted by BrianH

They have a badass youth system and still have the best forward in the world with Messi. How on earth will they be irrelevant ?

Messi won't stay as strong forever, Xavi and iniesta will eventually age and they will need new players otherwise suffer the MUFC fate

[BrianH]

Messi is 26 years old, he most likely hasnt even reached the peak of his game yet. The embargo is only till 2015 at the latest (I think itll be reduced). I think theyll be relevant, they have banks rolling cash into them to buy new players to replace aging ones.

[paull805]

To say Barca, who were the best team in history a mere 2 years ago, will be irrelevant is bloody madness.

[Bondurant]

Originally Posted by miamihurricane555

if they push it back then it will include summer 2015 as well. I honestly view this as the final nail in the coffin for barcelona. No way they stay relevant in the champs league next year or the next 3 years after as they will have to rebuild.

Rebuild? If this transfer suspension holds it will be a minor setback. Next summer they'll be able to go on a mass spending spree. They will remain a world caliber club even with the a year long transfer ban. My money is on them buying a lesser penalty.

As the say in college football, Barcelona "travels well". Money talks.