FIFA hits Barcelona with lengthy transfer ban

The Spanish club has been sanctioned for breaking the rules in the case of 10 minors and been punished with a transfer embargo for two transfer windows and a fine of 450,000 Swiss francs.

The Spanish FA has also been fined for rule breaches in terms of registering the players and fined 500,000 Swiss francs.

FIFA said in a statement: "FC Barcelona has been found to be in breach of article 19 of the regulations in the case of 10 minor players and to have committed several other concurrent infringements in the context of other players.

"The disciplinary committee regarded the infringements as serious and decided to sanction the club with a transfer ban at both national and international level for two complete and consecutive transfer periods, together with a fine of 450,000 Swiss francs.

"Additionally, the club was granted a period of 90 days in which to regularise the situation of all minor players concerned."