Chelsea are under investigation by FIFA over their signing of foreign youth players, football’s world governing body has today confirmed.
The news comes following recent press reports that the Blues may have breached the game’s regulations with regards to the signing of minors from abroad. Amongst other restrictions, FIFA’s rules prohibit the transfer of players under the age of 18 from foreign countries unless their parents have emigrated for reasons not connected to football.
In a brief statement issued earlier today, a spokesman for FIFA said: “We can confirm that an investigation is ongoing. We cannot provide any details concerning the matters under investigation.”
The current probe is the third time Chelsea’s youth transfer affairs have been investigated in eight years, while Atletico Madrid are currently subject to a transfer embargo until January due to breaching the governing body’s rules.
The Blues were quick to comment on the reports, and denied any wrongdoing. In a club statement, an official spokesman said: “Chelsea FC complies with all FIFA statutes and regulations when recruiting players.”
