Lots of Everton supporters have been reacting on the Grand Old Team forum to the news that FIFA has upheld Chelsea’s two-window transfer ban following an appeal lodged by the Pensioners.
The only alteration to the original punishment is that the Blues are allowed to sign players Under 16 so long as they are moving from the UK – while they can also add to their women’s and futsal squads.
Chelsea initially found themselves punished by FIFA for the signing of foreign U18 players, when an investigation found 29 breaches from 92 cases explored.
On top of the two-window ban, the Stamford Bridge outfit were slapped with a £460,000 fine, along with the FA also being fined £360,000 and told they must address the situation regarding international transfers of minors.
Following FIFA’s appeal committee upholding the two-window ban, Chelsea have declared their intentions to take their case directly to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, as they seek to avoid being blocked from signing anyone for the next year. This could mean they are free to operate as normal until a final decision is reached – and that could be after the summer transfer window.
The South West London side also “categorically” rejected FIFA’s appeal committee’s findings and were “disappointed” to not see it overturned.
News that Chelsea may not be able to sign anyone in the summer is obviously huge for us, as it could have dire consequences on our hopes of retaining Kurt Zouma beyond his loan.
Marco Silva has made the French centre-back one of his and Marcel Brands’ top targets for the upcoming window, but our Director of Football may no longer be able to negotiate a deal if Maurizio Sarri feels the 24-year-old will be able to play a part in their season with Gary Cahill set to leave once his contract expires in June.
If the Italian does insist Zouma returns to Stamford Bridge, it will be a huge blow for us, as the 3-cap international has featured in 31 of our Premier League games, and has only missed our fixtures with Chelsea, Watford and Cardiff since making his Toffees debut.
While Zouma may be leaving, one defender currently away from Merseyside may be set to return, as Voetbal International, via Sport Witness, believe Cuco Martina will be sent back from loan side Feyenoord as manager Jaap Stam looks to balance the Eredivisie outfit’s books – Martina will enter the final year of his Everton contract on July 1.
Martina’s future is an issue for another day, however, as for now, fans on the Grand Old Team forum have been reacting to Chelsea’s transfer ban being upheld and the implications it carries for Zouma’s Everton future…
“Bummer” – Bol-UK (May 8, 12:23)
“RIP King” – Lelouch (May 8, 12:24)
“Was nice knowing you Kurt” – F.T.R.S (May 8, 12:25)
“Maybe they’ll retain their current crop of players? This would mean Zouma will be free to leave.” – Polish (May 8, 12:27)
“We must keep [Phil] Jags [Jagielka] and bring [Matthew] Penno [Pennington] back.” – T Leafe (May 8, 12:31)
“That’s that then he has zoomed out of our lives. Let’s hope Mina cures his bad case of Darrenandertonitis.” – The Binman Chronicles (May 8, 12:47)
“Only if he makes it clear he wants to leave his current club for Everton now…” – HKToffee (May 8, 13:15)
“Game over. If only we knew then what we do now…. he could’ve been had for under £20million last summer I reckon” – LarryGobfiend (May 8, 13:17)
“Will probably entirely depend on Chelsea’s situation next year. I’d make them favourites to win the Europa League, but they’ll be in the Champion’s League anyway next season. Zouma would probably be in the starting XI most of the time so a situation, which he may desire.” – Winston8977 (May 8, 13:19)
“Shame if we can’t secure him. He has looked solid with Keane. He has the pace that Keane lacks at times. Mina could be good but hasn’t had a run yet due to injury plus I am not sure he quite has the pace to bail Keane out at times.” – BillyBlue80 (May 8, 13:43)
“I’ll be amazed if the CAS doesn’t delay the ban. I also don’t think it has any relevance to the Zouma situation anyway. Sarri rated him behind Gary Cahill last year.” – ToffeeTim (May 8, 13:50)