Frank Lampard confirms Chelsea ready to spend in January if ban overturned/Dembele, Sancho linked



Posted Tuesday, November 05, 2019 by 101 GREAT GOALS

FIFA's Chelsea case

Premier League giants Chelsea were officially hit with a 2-window transfer ban by FIFA late in February.

The news came on the back of a long-running investigation into Chelsea's recent transfer dealings, with a particular emphasis on the arrival of players under the age of 18.

After opening their initial investigation early last year, FIFA quickly flagged 25 cases which they deemed to be worthy of 'further scrutiny'.

World football's governing body since delved deeper into Chelsea's dealings on the transfer market over recent years, with phase two of their inquiry having taken a close look at how the Blues have registered players in their academy system of late.

The capital giants were fully compliant with FIFA's search, and opened their books with no hesitation.

However, after as many as 100 cases required further investigation on the part of FIFA, the organisation's disciplinary committee opened discussions regarding a possible sanction, before confirming Chelsea's transfer ban on the 22nd of February.

Figures via the Guardian.

Chelsea appeal

Chelsea unsurprisingly took immediate action on the back of their sanction being made official, lodging an appeal with FIFA to have their ban frozen for 6 months, to ensure at least 1 transfer window during which they could secure reinforcements ahead of putting together a case to defend themselves.

Speaking in an interview with the Mirror, a FIFA spokesperson revealed:

'We can confirm that FIFA has received an appeal from Chelsea FC over the said case.'

'Any decision on the sanction remaining in place during the appeal process is to be taken by the chairman of the Fifa Appeal Committee.'

FIFA stand firm

But it was subsequently confirmed early in March that Chelsea's request had been firmly rejected:

'Improve if we can'

Those in charge at Stamford Bridge, though, have not yet given up hope of having their ban reduced from two windows to one.

The Pensioners lodged a further appeal earlier this year, with the date for their hearing having been confirmed earlier today.

Chelsea will take to the Court of Arbitration for Sport on the 20th of November:

As such, speaking to the media a short time ago, Blues boss Frank Lampard was inevitably drawn on the club's appeal, as well as whether or not a successful outcome could see him opt to splash the cash in January.

And the 41-year-old went on to confirm that, if provided with the opportunity, Chelsea will 'always look to improve':

'Well, I'll be very interested of course but it is a legal matter and I don't know enough of the legals to even delve. But of course I'm interested because it's obviously going to affect potentially what we can do in January or not.'

'Listen, I think as Chelsea we will always look to improve in windows if we can, if we're allowed to and if the players we might look at are better or we feel are worth adding to the squad.'

'But, at the minute, I'm very happy with what I've got so I suppose that's why, hopefully, fans are as well.'

Ake return?

As per the Telegraph, meanwhile, chief among Chelsea's attacking targets are the likes of Moussa Dembele, Wilfried Zaha and Jadon Sancho.

At the back, Ben Chilwell and former Blues starlet Nathan Ake have been earmarked as potential additions.

Frank Lampard confirms Chelsea ready to spend in January if ban overturned/Dembele, Sancho linked
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 01: Nathan Ake of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Crystal Palace at Vitality Stadium on October 1, 2018 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)



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