FIFA fines Spanish FA for breach of transfer rules

FIFA has fined Spain’s football federation for breaking rules governing international transfer and registration of minors.
The Spanish Federation had allowed Atletico and Real Madrid to sign underage players from other countries.
The world football governing body had, in January, banned the Madrid clubs from participating in two consecutive transfer windows for breaching rules regarding the signing of underage non-Spanish players.
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee ruled on Tuesday that the Spanish federation must pay 220,000 Swiss francs ($221,283) for breaching article 19 of its regulations on the status and transfers of players, which is designed to protect minors.
The Spanish FA has been issued with a “warning and a reprimand” and was given six months to regularise the “existing system within the country.”
The decision was taken after investigations carried out by FIFA revealed that minor players were involved with and took part in competitions with Atletico from 2007 to 2014 and Real Madrid between 2005 and 2014.
Real Madrid and Atletico saw their appeals against transfer bans rejected last month by FIFA’s Appeal Committee and would not be allowed to register new players until January 2018.
The Spanish Football Federation is led by Angel Maria Villar, a FIFA vice president.