How Real Madrid Can Survive the FIFA Transfer Ban
Real Madrid despise FC Barcelona, but instead of resenting the Catalans for their treble last season, they may now view that achievement as a beacon of hope.
In April 2014, Barcelona were hit with a two-window transfer registration ban, which in theory should have ruled them out from adding any more players to their squad until summer 2015.
But they appealed against the action, for the illegal transfer of minors, until FIFA dismissed it in August 2014.
TOP NEWS
Madrid Fines Players $590K 😲
'Mbappé Out' Petition Gaining Steam 😳
Star-Studded World Cup Ad 🤩
That essentially earned them the summer window to sign players while the appeal process went on.
Even then, it took until the end of December 2014 for the Court of Arbitration for Sport to also dismiss Barcelona's appeal, essentially meaning the process took around eight months to go through.
And five months after that, Barcelona won the treble.
The signings they made in the summer of 2014 were key, with Luis Suarez the biggest and most important of them.
But they also bolstered the midfield with Ivan Rakitic, as well as the defence by signing Thomas Vermaelen and Jeremy Mathieu.
Two goalkeepers came in—Claudio Bravo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen—as well as Douglas, and Rafinha came back from his loan with Celta Vigo.
On Thursday morning, Los Blancos were hit with the same punishment for the same crimes as Barcelona, per Sport.
Real Madrid must do the best they can to get their ban set back beyond the summer transfer window, which would allow them to bring the players they want in.
However, there are no assurances about whether they will be able to do this.
For one, there is the precedent set by Barcelona. It will be easy for FIFA to use the same rulings and logic against them they used against the Catalans, speeding up the process.
Furthermore, Barcelona were banned three-and-a-half months later in the year than Madrid, so depending on waiting times, if Madrid appeal, it could be rejected both by FIFA and the CAS before summer anyway.
Of course, Madrid should still make the effort to drag the process out by appealing at the last possible moment.
If they do have their way, they will be able to work on their squad to ensure it is capable of surviving the next 18 months without bringing in fresh blood.
However, because they cannot rely on delaying tactics, the work must begin immediately.
If Florentino Perez has any plans to sign Eden Hazard or Paul Pogba, they must negotiate immediately with Chelsea and Juventus respectively.
Madrid will have to pay through the nose to sign either of those two stars, particularly now the world is aware of their predicament.
They may even have to structure deals that see the players sign for Madrid now but loaned back until the end of the season.
Furthermore, it means they must keep players who potentially want to leave, such as Gareth Bale.
The Welshman is always linked with moves back to England, but Madrid have to convince him that staying at the Santiago Bernabeu will work out.
They should also look at their squad and decide which areas they can strengthen.
It seems their dream of signing Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea is over, but the silver lining to that cloud is Keylor Navas' superb form.
Defence is an area that must be improved. Madrid only have Marcelo at left-back, with Alvaro Arbeloa and Nacho insufficient back-ups, while another centre-back should be on the menu.
Sergio Ramos' form this season has been poor when he hasn't been injured. Pepe's has not been a lot better.
The midfield is in reasonably good shape, and they will be able to add Lucas Silva to it when he returns from loan in the summer.
Attack presents the biggest question. Do Madrid stick or twist with the BBC? Given Cristiano Ronaldo will turn 31 in February, indications are they need another top-quality player to offer an option in the front line, which may be where Hazard fits in.
Work must begin immediately for Madrid to survive their transfer ban, both in the market and in the boardroom.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
