FIFA said Friday that it has banned
Serie A side Spezia from the transfer market for two seasons and
fined it 500,000 Swiss francs, around 460,000 euros, for
breaking the rules on the international transfer and
registration of players under the age of 18.
In a statement, international soccer's governing body said the
American-owned club was guilty of "bringing several Nigerian
minors into Italy using a scheme aimed at circumventing" the
rules on the international transfer of minors "as well as
national immigration law".
FIFA also banned two minor-league Ligurian clubs, USD Lavagnese
1919 and Valdivara 5 Terre, from the transfer market and fined
them 4,000 Swiss francs each for involvement in the scheme.
Spezia, which was bought by American investor Robert Platek five
months ago, said it was "surprised and extremely disappointed"
by FIFA's decision.
It said the alleged wrongdoing took place in the period between
2013 and 2018, when the club was in the hands of previous owner
Gabriele Volpi.
It said it would appeal and the punishment would not affect its
dealings in the current transfer window.
Spezia finished 15th in Serie A last time out.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
