Madrid blow: FIFA bans La Liga giants Real, Atletico for next two transfer windows

New Delhi: In what comes as a major blow, Spain's Madrid rivals Real and Atletico have been banned from signing new players for the next two transfer windows.

Both rivals follow the footsteps of Barcelona who too were banned from transfer activities in 2014.

The Madrid duo are said to have breached rules over the transfer of minors. "The two clubs were found to have violated several provisions concerning the international transfer and first registration of minor players," said FIFA in a statement.

"Atletico were fined 900,000 Swiss francs and Real 360,000," FIFA added.

Both clubs have been issued with a reprimand and given 90 days in which to regularise the situation of all minor players concerned.

Media Release: Atlético de Madrid & Real Madrid sanctioned for international transfers of minors - https://t.co/QhGEknQlS1 1/3 — FIFA Media (@fifamedia) January 14, 2016

The ban will be for the next two windows and not the current one which runs until end of this month.

Transfer ban imposed on @Atleti & @realmadrid prevents them from registering players for next two windows (not current window). 2/3 — FIFA Media (@fifamedia) January 14, 2016

FIFA also stated that protection of minors is of major importance for FIFA.

The web-based Transfer Matching System (TMS) provides a crucial platform to monitor the international transfer market, to ensure compliance with the rules, and to promote transparency and best practice.

The official FIFA twitter account posted a video where the regulations are explained.

The protection of minors is of major importance for FIFA. @FIFATMS helps to ensure compliance with Regulations - https://t.co/krh0vV2D0i 3/3 — FIFA Media (@fifamedia) January 14, 2016

Earlier, their Spanish rivals Barcelona were hit a transfer ban (for two transfer windows) in 2014 for repeatedly flouting rules designed to prevent child trafficking in football.

Barca were found guilty of “serious” breaches of the world governing body’s regulations, with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) also sanctioned for its tacit approval of the club’s conduct.