Topics: La Liga, Real Madrid, FIFA, Barcelona
Los Blancos are being investigated by FIFA for signing two 12-year old Venezuelans back in 2012, facing a possible ban like long-time rival Barcelona.

European champions Real Madrid could be facing a similar transfer ban as their La Liga opponents Barcelona, after FIFA started an investigation regarding the club's signing of two under age Venezuelan players. Sources indicate that the investigation was prompted by anonymous tips, just like the query surrounding Barcelona's youth signings started years ago and ended up with Los Blaugranas unable to sign players until 2016.

The two transfers being investigated are those of Manuel Godoy and Fernando Macias, who were on a tour of trials with big clubs. Spanish newspapers have stated that before they could reach River Plate and Milan, Madrid snapped them up via an intermediary.  The first was signed by Madrid in 2012 and the second of the two players signed aged 14 in 2013. He is currently in the youth system of Rayo Vallecano.

FIFA's sanction would be in effect if it's proved that Real Madrid contravened Article 14, which only allows the signing of Under 18s from outside the EU if the player’s parents have had to move to the country where the club is based, for non-football reasons. The rule is in place to prevent clubs relocating families from non-EU countries in order to sign a young player. 

Back in December, FIFA's Chief of Integrity Kimberly Morris asked the Spanish Football Federation all the paperwork surrounding the transfer of these players before January 14th, and the Federation's aide Jorge Perez delivered the documents 48 hours later. The club's attorneys have been waiting for news since then. 

Rumors indicate that preventing a possible ban, the club accelerated the signing of Brazilian midfielder Lucas Silva, unveiled today, and would have done the same with Martin Odegaard's signing. Los Blancos have not pronounced themselves regarding this subject.

Martin Odegaard, who's signing was unveiled last week.

Marco Asensio, another transfer unveiled by Real Madrid in October. Since he is on loan with Mallorca, but was signed before the possible ban takes place, he is fit to join Los Blancos whenever they want.