Chelsea may accept transfer ban this summer in bid to get it reduced to just one window
Club announced earlier this month they “will appeal” against the two window Fifa ban
CHELSEA may accept a transfer ban this summer - in a bid to try to ensure they CAN buy again in January.
The Stamford Bridge outfit announced earlier this month they “will appeal” against the two window Fifa ban which was initially imposed in February.
Chelsea were found guilty of 29 breaches of regulations over transferring minors, with the key case being that of former attacking midfielder Bertrand Traore.
After their appeal to Fifa failed earlier at the start of May, Chelsea described themselves as “very disappointed” and insisted the club “categorically refutes” the findings.
The Blues were also expected to urge the Lausanne-based court to put the ban on hold pending the full hearing.
But three weeks after receiving the appeal verdict, and with the transfer window now open - although new players cannot be registered until July 1 - Chelsea have not contacted the court.
In a short statement issued on Tuesday, Cas confirmed: “At the time of writing, the Court of Arbitration for Sport has not received an appeal from Chelsea FC.”
While there is still time for an appeal to be lodged, it is possible Chelsea’s lawyers may now believe Fifa has a stronger case against them than initially envisaged.
Privately, senior Chelsea officials expected their appeal to Fifa would see the ban reduced if not overturned.
But it may be that Chelsea feel that Fifa’s determination to exact a punishment will be satisfied if the club is prevented from buying during the main window.
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That may allow them to make a stronger case if they appeal to Cas for the ban to be cut so that they can buy again in the winter window, having taken the bigger hit.
Chelsea have already given surprise new contracts to David Luiz and Olivier Giroud, who were both expected to leave the club.
