“Chelsea, one of the richest clubs in world soccer, was barred Thursday from registering any new player between now and January 2011. This judgment, if it sticks, will critically damage Chelsea’s ability to compete in the sport. It means that Carlo Ancelotti, who two months ago left A.C. Milan to become the new Chelsea coach, will not be able to shape the team. And it puts an unprecedented obstacle in the way of the London team, whose Russian owner, Roman Abramovich, has spent a billion dollars trying, so far in vain, to win the Champions League.” (NYT)

FIFA Gives Chelsea 1-Year Transfer Ban
“Chelsea was banned from signing any new players for a year because it encouraged a teenager to break his contract with a French team and sign with the English soccer power.” (NYT)