Reports on FIFA sanctions against Madrid's "Real" and "Atletico" were confirmed today - the capital's clubs will not be able to buy players until the summer of 2017.
FIFA sanctions were imposed on "Real" and "Atletico" for not complying with the rules of acquiring underage football players. Another Spanish giant, "Barcelona" club, had previously faced the same penalties. However, their transfer ban ended this winter.
As reported, the capital's teams will still be able to buy players in January, but the transfer ban will take effect from the upcoming summer until the next winter. This means that the Madrid clubs will only be able to shop for players in the summer of 2017 after this January transfer window.
This has disrupted the summer plans of both "Atletico" and "Real". There have been rumors in the media that under Zinedine Zidane's coaching, Eden Hazard or David De Gea could join the club.
Both clubs are expected to appeal in the coming days, but Barcelona's example shows that it may not bear fruit. The Madrid clubs should seriously consider potential transfers in January.
The full FIFA statement can be read HERE.
