Zinedine Zidane calls Real Madrid transfer ban 'absurd'
Saturday 16 January 2016 16:08, UK
Zinedine Zidane says the one-year transfer ban imposed on Real Madrid by FIFA is "absurd" and insists the club's appeal will be upheld.
Two of Zidane's sons, who play in the Real academy, were among 39 players investigated by FIFA with the club eventually sanctioned for breaking the rules regarding the signing of foreign nationals under 18 in eight cases.
The sanction means the club will not be able to register new signings until July 2017 once the present transfer window closes at the end of the month, but Madrid have signalled their intention to take an appeal all the way to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
"It seems absurd because they [his sons] have lived their whole lives here in Madrid with family and it will be fixed," said Zidane. "The most important thing is that we know what has happened now. I think it will be fixed with time and next week we won't speak of this anymore.
"It doesn't make sense. We will wait and see what happens next week. I am calm, it is an error and nothing more.
"The club will appeal. There are not just my sons, there are many players and families and I think it is an error."
Atletico Madrid were hit with the same ban on Thursday and also insist they intend to appeal. However, Barcelona's appeal to CAS for a similar sanction in 2015 was rejected.
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Under international football rules, players under the age of 18 cannot be transferred to another country, except in limited circumstances and all transfers need the approval of a special FIFA committee.
The two clubs must lodge an appeal with FIFA's appeals committee and if they are unsuccessful can then take their case to CAS.
However, Zidane insists he is happy with his squad and said there have been no discussions about possible reinforcements despite the ban.
"For the time being we have not spoken to the club about reinforcements," he said. "I am happy with the squad I have."
Zidane is set to take charge of just his second game as Madrid boss at home to Sporting Gijon on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 3 HD.
