Chelsea have been banned from signing new players in the next two transfer windows for breaching FIFA rules in relation to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18.
The club have been fined just over £460,000 for breaching the rules, the sport’s world governing body, FIFA, has announced this morning.
The FA have also been fined just over £390,000.
The ban only impacts the registration of new players and does not affect those who may wish to depart Stamford Bridge, including winger Eden Hazard who is heavily linked with a move away to Real Madrid.
The Blues signed Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuaín on loan in the January transfer window last month.
The West London club have three days to appeal the decision.