CARLO ANCELOTTI learned on the internet that Fifa had imposed a 12-month transfer ban on Chelsea but, while the manager confessed to being “surprised” at the severity of the penalty, he is hopeful the punishment will be reduced on appeal.
Chelsea continue to await the full written judgment from Fifa ahead of mounting their appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, having been banned from registering any new players until 2011 for inducing Gael Kakuta to breach his contract with Lens two years ago.
The Premier League club had been expecting Fifa’s dispute resolution chamber to adjudicate on the case towards the end of the year and were caught out by the swiftness, and level, of the world governing body’s sanction when faxed confirmation reached them last week.
They should know before the end of the year whether the ban will stand. Ancelotti, who defended the role of the club’s sporting director, Frank Arnesen, had not anticipated making any signings in the midwinter window anyway but, with the African Cup of Nations to come in January, he will consider recalling players currently on loan should injuries and suspension eat into his options.
“I saw it on the internet,” he admitted. “I did not know about this. I was surprised, but life goes on. The club are appealing the decision and we hope that they overturn the decision. I didn’t speak with Frank Arnesen. He’s been working very closely with me but, in this period, there weren’t any games so I didn’t speak with him. But he’s doing a very good job now, for me and for the club. And I have not had any reason to speak with [the owner] Roman Abramovich about the situation.
“We didn’t think we would bring any new players in during January. Even before this happened. Some players will go to the African Cup of Nations, but we have very good players – like Joe Cole, a very important player for us – who will be ready [to replace them] then.
“There is potential in the academy, but we have to take our time because they are very young players. But, if we need them, we can get the players back who are on loan – Franco Di Santo, Scott Sinclair, Michael Mancienne – to cover for the African players.”
Chelsea, who will continue to monitor Yuri Zhirkov’s knee ligament complaint, will play Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Manchester United within the next two months, as well as embarking upon their Champions League campaign. Ancelotti admitted his side’s prospects of success this season will become clearer after the busy period ahead.
“The motivation is there already. The players have a good mentality. We must play now against opponents who have very good quality in this period. After this, we’ll know better how our season is going to pan out.”
