Added to their problems on the pitch, Real Madrid could be facing a bigger setback. Sources indicate that Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, based in Catalunya and loyal to Barcelona's interests, has demanded a transfer ban to be imposed against Los Blancos, as the newspaper's journalists have found that FIFA has already decided to slap the team with a transfer ban similar to the one Barcelona endured, but for reasons yet to be revealed, football's governing body has delayed the decision.
According to Jesús Galindo, Chief Football Editor for the newspaper, FIFA decided to slap Los Blancos with a two transfer window ban and a fine, after an investigation revealed a number of irregularities in the signing of youth talents for "La Fábrica", Real Madrid's academy. Nevertheless, the journalist claims Real Madrid has managed to delay the decision to be public, given the team's working relationship with FIFA.
"Time is of the essence, and Real Madrid is working with the intention of having the transfer ban delayed as long as possible. If they are notified instantly, they could file an appeal that would give them some time to sign more players before it goes through. If things were solved the right way, they should be banned from signing any players in the 2016 summer window and the 2017 winter immediately," Galindo stated in an open letter.
A transfer ban set against Real Madrid would hurt Florentino Perez's hopes for a re-election next year.
According to the newspaper, FIFA's officers showed a disappointing lack of transparency when inquired about the matter.
"One of FIFA's spokesmen told us that they were not allowed to confirm any information about the matter. Once we insisted, the same spokesman begged us to understand that all proceedings were confidential, as they were only allowed to share details of a process once the decision had gone public," Galindo claimed.
Mundo Deportivo also revealed that Atletico Madrid would be handed a similar ban, but their main focus seems to be watching Los Blancos pay for their wrongdoings.
