Manchester City will avoid a transfer ban for the breach of rules on the signing of minors, FIFA has decided.
Liverpool 's Premier League title rivals will be relieved to have escaped a punishment similar to that of Chelsea, who were suspended from signing players for a year - two transfer windows - for breaching rules regarding their dealings with overseas players under the age of 18.
Instead of a transfer ban, City have been handed a fine of 370,000 Swiss Francs after accepting responsibility for the charge,
A FIFA statement, via Associated Press journalist Rob Harris, reads: "Manchester City FC was found to have breached FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.
"The Disciplinary Committee took into account the fact that Manchester City FC accepted its responsibility and sanctioned the club with a fine of 370,000 Swiss francs."
The MEN reports that the statement went on to add: “The protection of minors is a key element in FIFA’s overall regulatory framework relating to the transfer of players, and the effective enforcement of these rules is paramount, as has also been confirmed on various occasions by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
“The decision issued by the Disciplinary Committee was notified today.”
City are awaiting the findings of a UEFA investigation into alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play rules with fears that the club could be kicked out of the Champions League for one season.
