Chelsea launch bid to lift FIFA transfer ban over Gael Kakuta signing

16 October 2009 16:18
Chelsea have lodged their intention appeal against FIFA's transfer ban with the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The English Premier League club have been banned from signing any new players for the next two transfer windows after FIFA found them guilty of inducing teenager Gael Kakuta to breach his contract with Lens two years ago. But the Blues are hopeful they can get the punishment reduced or overturned by appealing through the Lausanne-based court. Chelsea are expected to request a "fast-track" hearing and they have 10 days to file their papers to the Swiss-based court. Kakuta, 18, is banned from playing in official games for four months. The French teenager must also pay compensation of 780,000 euros (£710,000), for which Chelsea are 'jointly and severally liable'. Chelsea must also pay Lens 'training compensation' of 130,000 euros (£118,000).

Source: Daily_Mail