FIFA’s appeals committee has rejected Chelsea’s requested to freeze a one-year transfer ban.
Rob Harris of the Associated Press reports that Chelsea had asked FIFA to freeze the incoming transfer ban, something that would have allowed them to sign players during the upcoming transfer window.
While it has been widely reported that Chelsea were prepared and expecting the transfer ban, they have been putting plans in place to ensure that can sign players this summer.
The Blues will now have to ask the Court of Arbitration for Sport for an interim ruling, which would leave the club free to sign players at the end of the season.
Chelsea will be hoping to achieve a similar outcome to that of Barcelona, who were granted the ability to sign players before their transfer ban came into effect.
The appeal process is still ongoing and Chelsea could yet be given permission to sign players.
