Barcelona transfer ban suspended

Barcelona's transfer ban has been suspended by FIFA, meaning they will be able to sign players in the close-season.

The Spanish club had been facing a two-window transfer embargo after irregularities were found in their dealings at youth level.

However, Barca have now lodged an appeal and requested that the process be granted "suspensive effect " - meaning they can sign players in the close-season, depending on the date their appeal is determined.

A FIFA statement read: "The club FC Barcelona has lodged an appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee against the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee that sanctioned the club for breaches relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18.

"Together with the appeal, the club requested that its appeal be granted suspensive effect. 

"In this respect, the chairman of the FIFA Appeal Committee, Larry Mussenden, took into consideration the sanctions imposed against the club, the complexity of the matter, the start date of the next registration period – 1 July 2014 – and the fact that the FIFA Appeal Committee does not seem in a position to take a decision on the main issue early enough so that an eventual appeal of the club against its decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport would still be decided before the beginning of the next registration period.

"Consequently, the chairman of the FIFA Appeal Committee considered that the appeal lodged by the club is to be granted suspensive effect."

Barcelona are expected to spend heavily if their ban remains suspended, with defensive cover a priority.

Victor Valdes and Carles Puyol have confirmed they will be departing Camp Nou at the end of their contracts.

Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has reportedly agreed a move to replace Valdes, while the likes of Chelsea centre-back David Luiz, Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen and Eder Alvarez Balanta of River Plate are thought to be on Barca's shortlist to fill in for Puyol.

Culled from Soccerway