LAUSANNE, February 22, 2019 - Chelsea’s turbulent season has taken a turn for the worse as FIFA slapped the London club with a two-year transfer ban on Friday for breaking transfer rules over minors. The Premier League club will appeal against the decision.

Ban - FIFA imposed the ban after finding Chelsea guilty of breaching transfer rules in the case of 29 youngsters. The world governing body bans transnational transfers of underaged players unless they meet strict criteria. FIFA tightened its rules to protect young players from exploitation and trafficking.

Application of the rules - Players under the age of 18 can only be transferred abroad in three situations, which must always be interpreted restrictively: the player's parents move to the country in which the new club is located for non-footballing reasons; both clubs are in the European Union or European Economic Area and the player is aged between 16 and 18. Even then, the buying club must meet more criteria relating to education, training, living conditions and support. Or the player lives within 100km of the club.

Statements - Chelsea are the first Premier League club to be punished for these breaches and both the Blues and the FA reacted with a statement to FIFA’s sanctions. In the past Spanish clubs Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have also been slapped with transfer bans for infringements. ‘We welcome the fact Fifa has accepted that there was no breach in relation to 63 of these players, but the club is extremely disappointed that Fifa has not accepted the club's submissions in relation to the remaining 29 players,’ said a statement from Chelsea. ‘Chelsea acted in accordance with the relevant regulations and will shortly be submitting its appeal to Fifa.’

An FA statement said: ‘The FA intends to appeal against the decision. We will, however, continue to work with Fifa and Chelsea in a constructive manner to address the issues which are raised by this case.’

Appeal and Sarri future - The ban will run until January 2020, but Chelsea will appeal the punishment and the experience of the Spanish clubs suggests that Chelsea could delay the imposition of the ban, allowing the club to spend in the summer. Ironically, the ban may well be a lifeline for coach Sarri, who has faced immense scrutiny after disappointing results. Constraints in the transfer market would allow Sarri to work with a more long-term approach. Sarri’s imminent challenge is a League Cup final on Sunday against Manchester City.

Turmoil at Chelsea - Chelsea have been in the headlines this season for all the wrong reasons. Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovich has been barred from entering the UK and Sarri’s coaching has created unrest among player and fans. UEFA is also investigation the club over alleged racist chanting by their fans.