Barcelona Transfer News: FIFA Ban Upheld by CAS Following Appeal

Barcelona have had their 2015 transfer ban upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), confirmed by Sky Sports on Tuesday:

The official CAS statement is provided by Spanish news outlet AS:

Barcelona instantly released a damning statement via their official website in reply to the CAS's decision, reiterating the club's firm belief that the transfer ban should have been rescinded:

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FC Barcelona wishes to state, with all due respect for the sports authorities, that it totally disagrees with the verdict of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced today to confirm the sanction originally imposed by FIFA as a consequence of the alleged breach of regulations on the international transfer of minor footballers.

The Club has made it clear to the FIFA Disciplinary Commission, the FIFA Appeals Commission and the CAS itself that it understands and supports the policy on the protection of minors and the concern for the protection of their development and education.

This is confirmed by how they Club has acted throughout its history, setting an example around the world for the way its young footballers are schooled and educated, and the work that is done on their development. FC Barcelona’s youth structure has enabled hundreds of young players to achieve their dreams and receive a decent upbringing.

The errors that the Club might have committed, and which have been recognised and argued before the corresponding authorities are, in all cases, of an administrative nature and to a large extent have been caused by the existing conflict between the FIFA regulations and Spanish legislation, along with the Club’s conviction that it was acting correctly.

Therefore, FC Barcelona considers the sanction to be completely disproportionate as it supposes an excessive punishment for the Club, when considering its trajectory and the circumstances of this specific case.

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The latest development means the Camp Nou side are unable to sign new players until 2016 arrives. The CAS's ruling follows FIFA's original punishment—two transfer windows—meaning a year of intricate squad planning and man-management awaits for Luis Enrique.

The decision certainly makes life difficult for the coach. Enrique spent avidly during his first transfer window in the knowledge he may be without funding for 15 months, an eventuality which may have prompted the club's decision to bring in Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, Jeremy Mathieu, Thomas Vermaelen, Claudio Bravo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

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Barca desperately need additional centre-back and midfield options, despite the recent influx of new names. Ageing players such as Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Javier Mascherano are set to receive minimal respite now the ban is being maintained, meaning the need for fresh legs could be overwhelming if injuries take grip throughout 2015.

Supporters will certainly be disappointed to lose ground to Real Madrid and other European elite clubs in the transfer stakes. World-class stars such as Marco Reus are likely to be up for sale at the end of the current campaign, meaning other potential suitors have received a major boost during their hunt for quality.

The decision was provided after a Dec. 5 hearing in Lausanne, Switzerland. Barcelona faced such circumstances after they were adjudged to have signed a number of minors through illegal means.

In April, FIFA released an official statement confirming the original punishment. This came after the governing body investigated Barcelona's dealings with minors between 2009-2013.

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All transfers involving those below the age of 18 must pass through the Players' Status Committee. This group then issues a decision on whether the move is "contrary to the best interests of the player as a minor." The CAS's decision effectively finds Barca guilty of breaching this regulation on multiple occasions.

One of Barca's main objectives during the hearing process was to convince the decision-makers that the club's fabled La Masia academy provides everything youngsters need.

As reported by Marca, it was vital to ensure the judge knew it "complies in every way with requirements for underage players to develop their potential as footballers whilst receiving a good education." Barca were unable to do this, as mirrored in Tuesday's decision.