FIFA has forbidden Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid from signing any players in the summer 2016 and winter 2017 transfer windows. Just as they did FC Barcelona last year, the both clubs broke the laws concerning the signing of players under the age of 18. This sanction comes after months of speculation from the Spanish press.
Luckily for Real and Atleti, they still have this winter transfer window to do their homework, as FIFA will give them the opportunity to sign before it closes in two weeks. In addition, they are allowed to sell, bring back players that are currently on loan and also to renew players that are already part of the squads.
The penalty will prove especially hard for Los Colchoneros, as they’re a club that’s used to buying and selling to arrange their roster. On the other hand, this will be a little bit easier for Los Blancos, as their team relies more on certain tweaks than on doing a makeover. However, both clubs have weaknesses and not being able to fix them will be tough.
The biggest problem for Real Madrid will be that president Florentino Pérez won’t be able to do his usual Galáctico signing or please Zidane’s requests. Those Pogba, Hazard, Griezmann rumors will vanish and other powerful clubs will take advantage of that. It’s still unknown whether the teams will appeal in order to be able to work in the summer window.
