Chelsea had been braced for Fifa sanction for some time and swiftly announced they would appeal against the two-window transfer embargo imposed by world football’s governing body. The case will go to the Fifa appeals committee and, if necessary, the court of arbitration for sport and could drag on for a considerable time, with the enforcement of Fifa’s ban almost certainly stayed pending the appeals process. That buys the club time.
They can then target how best to proceed in the market and, indeed, with a long-term squad-building policy. Chelsea have a number of players out of contract this summer – including David Luiz, Gary Cahill and Olivier Giroud, albeit they have the option to extend the Frenchman’s deal by 12 months – and, just as significantly, plenty more in 2020. Deals with Willian and Pedro, both in their 30s, are up next year, along with those for Callum Hudson-Odoi and, of course, Eden Hazard. The Belgian may be beyond persuasion to stay, with his heart apparently set on Real Madrid.
The hierarchy may consider bending its self-imposed rule of offering only one-year extensions to players in their 30s. Alternatively, and given this would normally be a period of significant rebuilding, recruitment plans could be accelerated in the summer for fear of the ban eventually being upheld. Chelsea would presumably proceed with Gonzalo Higuaín’s transfer from Juventus, and explore ways of making Mateo Kovacic’s move permanent from Real Madrid.
Christian Pulisic is already arriving from Borussia Dortmund but there would be scope to add to the forward and defensive ranks. The director Marina Granovskaia has effectively been acting as a director of football since the departure of Michael Emenalo in the autumn of 2017, but the need for a coherent and forward-thinking transfer strategy could prompt the appointment of a full-time successor.
Quick GuideChelsea's transfer ban
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What happens next? Chelsea protest their innocence and have taken to Fifa’s appeals committee. It is not clear whether they will submit new evidence or simply ask the committee to re-examine information already provided. In the event of Fifa’s appeal committee upholding the ban, Chelsea could file a further appeal with the court of arbitration for sport.
Will Chelsea definitely be banned from the summer transfer window? No. Any ban would take effect only upon completion of the appeal process, which has taken a long time before – although Fifa are expecting to consider Chelsea's appeal before the summer window opens. Chelsea may still be free to sign new players this summer, but their bargaining position would be weakened.
What were the outcomes of similar appeals? In 2014, Barcelona signed Luis Suárez, Ivan Rakitic and Marc-André ter Stegen while awaiting the outcome of an appeal against a similar ban, which was eventually upheld by Cas, leaving the Catalan club unable to buy players during 2015. The following year Real Madrid got a ban reduced by Cas to one transfer window. In 2017, Atlético Madrid’s two-window ban was confirmed by Cas. Chelsea have previously appealed successfully against a Fifa ban when, in 2009, Cas ruled that they were not guilty of wrongdoing when bringing Gaël Kakuta from Rennes.
What does this mean for Chelsea’s current squad? If players such as Eden Hazard and Callum Hudson-Odi wish to leave this summer, they may find the exit blocked if the club is not allowed to sign new players. That, however, would allow them to leave for free the following summer when their contracts, like those of Willian and Pedro, expire. Players currently on loan at other clubs, such as Dujon Sterling, Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham, could find more opportunities at Stamford Bridge.
Are any other Premier League likely to face similar punishment? Fifa is investigating four Premier League clubs. Only Manchester City have been publicly identified.
The alternative would be to lean more heavily upon academy graduates and give youth its chance. The club have 41 players out on loan, some of whom surely would be able to make an impact with their parent club if the embargoes kick in. Yet to pursue that path, Chelsea would need a head coach willing to pin the responsibility on younger players lacking experience at this level – not a trait for which Maurizio Sarri or his predecessor, Antonio Conte, are known – or make clear they would be more patient with the first-team setup.
Tempering expectations has never really been their style. But, in truth, it feels as if times may be changing.