Chelsea have lodged an appeal against their Fifa transfer ban, with the hearing to take place on April 11.
The Blues are currently prevented from signing any players either this summer or next January for breaking the rules surrounding the transfer of minors.
Fifa confirmed on Monday that Chelsea — who were also fined £460,000 — have lodged an official appeal against the ruling.
Fifa said Chelsea has received written reasons from its disciplinary panel for the one-year ban, and why a request to freeze the ban during the appeal process was rejected.
Chelsea can approach the Court of Arbitration for Sport for an interim ruling halting the sanction pending the appeal to Fifa, but CAS says Chelsea has not applied for such a provisional measure.
Fifa banned Chelsea in February from registering new players for two transfer periods — after this season and in January 2020 — for 29 cases of breaking rules protecting teenage players. The club denies wrongdoing.
World football’s governing body denied Chelsea’s initial appeal, meaning the restrictions will apply from this summer if this hearing is also unsuccessful for the Blues.
The case will however be heard before the summer transfer window opens, meaning Chelsea would be able to resume their plans should they overturn or suspend the original ruling. The decision to ban Chelsea has led to speculation over the future of several key players, such as Eden Hazard, who was widely expected to leave the club this summer.
However Chelsea may now look to keep Hazard as they cannot sign a replacement, while young players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi could benefit with increased first-team opportunities.
Chelsea are also concerned the ban could put off prospective managerial candidates, with current incumbent Maurizio Sarri in a precarious position following a disappointing league season. The Blues are in a battle to finish in the Premier League top four — meaning they would miss out on the Champions League next season.
