Analyzing the consequences of the transfer ban imposed on Chelsea

Recent results, a demoralizing FA Cup exit, the manager's loss of his fans, predictable tactics, the conundrum behind Jorginho and N'Golo Kante's positions and issues in front of goal have encapsulated into a big, pale shadow that has glued itself to the roots of the club.

That didn't quite seem to be enough misery for Chelsea, who were hit with another gigantic blow as FIFA sanctioned a transfer ban on the West London giants for a total of two transfer windows, which means no incoming transfers are allowed until January 2020.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee responded to the breach of the FIFA Regulations that are concerned with the international transfer of players under the age of 18. On the back of an elaborated research and investigation, the major governing body imposed a fine, along with a fine of 600k Swiss francs.

Chelsea violated the article 19.1 and 19.3 of the football constitution, in relation to a whopping 92 players, who were brought to the club against the rules written by FIFA. A club is not allowed to snap up a minor player unless his/her family has moved in along with him for other reasons that the child's sporting future.

According to FIFA, the club was guilty 'in connection with two agreements it concluded concerning minors and which allowed it to influence other clubs in transfer-related matters.'

However, Chelsea, who have all the authority to appeal the ban, took no time to pass on a reply to the fraternity, writing in their official club statement:

"Chelsea FC has today received a decision from the FIFA Disciplinary Committee concerning alleged breaches of the FIFA Regulations that relate to the international transfer of players under the age of 18. The decision imposes a transfer ban of two consecutive registration periods and a fine of 600k Swiss francs. Chelsea FC categorically refutes the findings of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee and will therefore be appealing the decision."

The statement further read:

"The club wishes to emphasise that it respects the important work undertaken by FIFA in relation to the protection of minors and has fully cooperated with FIFA throughout its investigation. Initially, Chelsea FC was charged under Articles 19.1 and 19.3 in relation to 92 players.

We welcome the fact that FIFA has accepted that there was no breach in relation to 63 of these players, but the club is extremely disappointed that FIFA has not accepted the club’s submissions in relation to the remaining 29 players. Chelsea FC acted in accordance with the relevant regulations and will shortly be submitting its appeal to FIFA."

Also to be noted is the decision of FIFA to infuse a ban on the Football Association as well, as player registrations are processed at FA level - with a fine of 510,000 Swiss francs.

What does it mean to the club?

Now, we can expect the ban to be withheld, but let's analyze the possibilities that could create permanent stains at Stamford Bridge, should the transfer ban come into full action.

First of all, let's learn that not having transfers causes major damage to a football club, especially in the modern day. Players will leave due to the lack of opportunities, and the recycling of talent in the club will continue to flow. But that would be like a huge rock tied to a trickle.

Players like Davide Zappacosta, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Danny Drinkwater, Mateo Kovacic, Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard and Andreas Christensen are all widely linked to a host of European clubs, while the likes of David Luiz, Willian and Pedro are not getting any older.

Thus, this is an important transition period for the Blues, who not only need to remove what we bill as 'deadwood' these days, but also replace players and hold on to them.

Let's talk about the man who is always under the spotlight - Eden Hazard. Take a minute to close your eyes, gasp a deep breath and just imagine what the club would be without him? Take nothing away from Chelsea, who are an outstanding European powerhouse, but without Hazard's magical boots, they sometimes look like any other team training for fun.

He adds a different dimension to the attack, owing to his attacking brilliance, guile, dribbling prowess and maturity that makes him Chelsea's undisputed talisman. It's next to impossible to replace the 28-year-old, who has been a big servant for the club over the years.

Neither is the transfer market available at bargain these days, nor are Willian and Pedro the most prolific wingers on the planet, at least at present day. Callum Hudson-Odoi, who recently handed in a transfer request, is on the brink of an exit especially because he hasn't received many opportunities.

And what about the financial fair play? That could be another devil coming Chelsea's way.

Is Maurizio Sarri the unluckiest coach to have taken the helm at Chelsea?

The Sarri-ball doesn't seem to be working, the stubborn 60-year old continues to chew on them cigarette butts as goals dry up for Chelsea and negative results pile up, but not everything has gone wrong for Sarri.

The Italian's side have stormed through the charts to secure a place in the final of the much-awaited Carabao Cup, having upstaged the likes of Spurs in the semi-finals. Mind you, Spur have a manager who has installed his philosophy into the club, having been a part of it for about four years.

At the moment, at this stage of his first season, Sarri has recorded more points than Pep Guardiola himself did in the first 28 games. His full-backs need to press high up the pitch, often leaving a huge space on the flanks. Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso might not have adapted to it, but with a few more video clips and drills, they could master it.

The center backs have missed out detail, Ross Barkley and Kante haven't quite marauded forward with intelligent runs and the strikers have mostly been under-fire. The brand of football needs movement and most importantly, detail.

It will take time for Sarri-ball to get Chelsea fans jumping on their feet more regularly, but the process might be hampered due to the lack on incoming players. Sarri needs 'his' players, professionals who understand his expansive style of football and implement it with aplomb.

Due to the ban, the Italian mastermind might face a huge blow, probably more than anyone else, as a striker needs to arrive at the Bridge. So does a full back.

And after all this, you wonder why the poker-faced Italian hasn't received the right plaudits, but only jeers from his own fans? Give him a break, will you

Edited by Sripad