Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid Slapped with Transfer Bans

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have been handed transfer bans for the next two transfer windows for breaching rules regarding players under the age of 18, FIFA has confirmed.

The two clubs will be able to register players during the current January transfer window but will then be unable to make signings for the two subsequent transfer windows due to irregularities over the "international transfers of minors".


Barcelona was handed the same punishment for a similar breach, with the club's ban lifted this month, and neither of the Madrid-based clubs will be able to make another signing until the summer of 2017.

Real has been linked with a host of elite players, such as David de Gea and Eden Hazard, but will need to act now or wait 18 months in order to sign them.
A statement released by FIFA on Thursday confirmed the sanctions: "The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned Spanish clubs Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid for breaches relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18.