FIFA fines Spanish FA

FIFA have fined Spain's football federation (RFEF) for breaking rules governing the international transfer and registration of minors by allowing Atletico and Real Madrid to sign underage players from other countries.

In January, world football's governing body banned the Madrid clubs from participating in two consecutive transfer windows for breaching rules regarding the signing of underage non-Spanish players.

FIFA's Disciplinary Committee ruled yesterday that the Spanish federation must pay 220,000 Swiss francs ($221,283) for breaching article 19 of their regulations on the status and transfers of players, which is designed to protect minors.

The Spanish FA have been given a further six months to regularize their "existing system within the country" and have also been issued with a "warning and a reprimand."