After learning that they’ve been handed a one-year transfer ban by FIFA, both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid claim they will appeal the decision.
On Wednesday, FIFA revealed that both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid would be handed one-year transfer bans, for breaching its rules on the international transfer and registration of players aged under 18. Barcelona served the same punishment for the same offense, with their year-long transfer ban having come to an end this month.
However, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have quickly come out to refute the accusations, and both clubs say that they will appeal the punishment.
“It’s a sanction we’re going appeal. We have every right,” Atletico President Enrique Cerezo is quoted as saying by AS.
“We never expected this. This is the first notice. It’s a huge injustice and not being able to sign anyone is a problem, though we do have a deep squad.”
Cerezo wasn’t the only executive in Madrid furious with the decision though.
“This club has never worked with the family to uproot underage players,” said Real Madrid director general Jose Angel Sanchez according to AS.
“The club is confident the appeal will succeed, even at FIFA. [The ban] was unexpected and we haven’t planned anything at this time.”
Despite Wednesday’s announcement, both clubs will still be able to make acquisitions throughout the January transfer window. The ban is slated to come into effect starting this summer, but could be delayed pending the appeal process.
A year-long ban would be a big blow for both clubs, as they look to topple Barcelona. Currently, Atletico sit at the top of the La Liga table with 44 points from 19 matches, but Barcelona have played one less match. As a result of the potential transfer bans, we could see both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid make more moves than usual during the current window.