Atletico Madrid Lodge Appeal Against Transfer Ban

Atletico Madrid have lodged an appeal against a two-window FIFA-imposed transfer ban over their dealing in under-age players.

The ban, which has also been handed to Madrid rivals Real, is set to commence in July before being lifted at the end of the January transfer window in 2017. Atletico were fined 900,000 Swiss francs (£623,464) and Real 360,000 (£249,385). However, both clubs are still allowed to sign players until the end of this month.

World football's governing body said the alarm was raised over the two clubs' dealings by FIFA's Transfer Matching System, with its disciplinary committee completing the inquiry. Under international football rules, players under 18 cannot be transferred to another country, except in limited circumstances. All transfers need the approval of a special FIFA committee.

In a statement released on Monday, Atletico announced they had “lodged an appeal against the decision by FIFA's disciplinary commission”.