Appeal court backs Barcelona transfer ban

LAUSANNE - Agence France-Presse

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The Court of Arbitration for Sport on Dec. 30 upheld a one year transfer ban against Spanish football giants Barcelona for breaching rules on signing under-18 players.
      
The court said in a statement that it had "dismissed" an appeal made by Barcelona. It is now banned from buying players during the transfer window that opens on January 1 and for the summer transfer period before the 2015-16 season. Barcelona was also fined 450,000 Swiss francs ($455,000, 375,000 euros).
      
"The Panel found in particular that FC Barcelona had breached the rules regarding the protection of minors and the registration of minors attending football academies," said the statement.