Topics: Barcelona, La Masia, Xavi, Lionel Messi

According to FIFA, FC Barcelona have been found guilty of breaching rules in the signing of 10 players under 18 years of age. As a result, the Catalans have been banned from making transfers during the next two transfer windows.

Veteran midfielder Xavi Hernandez, who is a product of La Masia like Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol, Victor Valdes and several other stars, voiced his discontent at the sanction. He told the press on Monday:

“It's disproportionate and unjust. We will try to oppose it. La Masia does a more than adequate job; it is part of our philosophy. The club spends many years working properly with youngsters, we look after them.”

Joan Laporta, who served as Barcelona president between 2003 and 2010, added his voice to the lamentations. He stated:

“Fifa has been overly harsh on Barcelona in my opinion. They will see that we have been doing things the right way when we appeal, though.”

Last week, FC Barcelona vice president Javier Faus claimed that the Blaugrana were victims of a conspiracy. The club’s supporters, meanwhile, responded to the situation during Barcelona’s 3-1 win over Real Betis with a large banner declaring that “La Masia cannot be touched.”

Defending La Masia in the stadium, in the press and on social media:

The picture below was tweeted by a popular Messi fan page with the message: "Let them know. La Masia for life."

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