FIFA rejects Chelsea appeal against 1-year transfer ban

Chelsea's appeal against a one-year transfer ban was rejected Wednesday, leaving the London club preparing for its return to the Champions League without being able to make any signings.

The FIFA appeals committee upheld the ban imposed in February for breaking youth transfer rules but added that Chelsea will be allowed to register players under the age of 16.

"Chelsea's wrongdoing consisted (of) not respecting the prohibition from internationally transferring or registering" minor players from abroad, FIFA said in a statement.