FIFA says it has banned Chelsea from signing any players for the next year because it encouraged a French player to break his contract and sign for the club.
FIFA said that Chelsea can’t register new players, from England or abroad, during the next two transfer windows - in January 2010 and the next off-season.
FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber made the ruling after Lens complained that Chelsea lured Gael Kakuta to break his contract with the French club and move to London.
The dispute panel banned also Kakuta from playing for four months, and ordered Kakuta and Chelsea to pay Lens euro780, 000 in compensation.
Chelsea must pay Lens a further euro130, 000 as a training fee. Chelsea can appeal the decision.
