Billy Gilmour Led To Chelsea's Transfer Ban - REPORT

Billy Gilmour

Chelsea were handed a two-window transfer ban by FIFA last year.

The disciplinary committee found the Blues guilty of breaching regulations relating to the transfer of minors.

Gilmour's 2017 move to Stamford Bridge from Rangers back also violated part of FIFA's regulations.

The Blues had illegally prevented Rangers from loaning the teenager out elsewhere.

According to The Telegraph, Billy Gilmour was part of the reason why Chelsea were handed a two-window transfer ban by FIFA last year.

The governing body's disciplinary committee had found the Blues guilty of breaching Article 19 of the 'Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players' in case of 29 minors, and a transfer embargo was then imposed on the club for international transfer and registration of players below the age of 18.

Bertrand Traore's move from Auxerre around the turn of the decade was the most highlighted episode at that time but reports now claim that Chelsea also flouted FIFA regulations while securing the services of Gilmour from Rangers back in 2017.

The Blues had reportedly secured a veto over the Scottish giants from entering into negotiations with other clubs to loan the teenager out, which was clearly against the norms.

Chelsea eventually beat off competition from a number of top clubs across the continent, including Barcelona and Real Madrid , to sign the young midfielder.

The breach in regulations didn't come to light back then but was highlighted following a detailed investigation by FIFA's disciplinary committee last year, a part of the reason that eventually led to the transfer ban.

The Blues managed to have the transfer ban reduced to a single window after a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport but failed to capitalise on that verdict, failing to get deals over the line for any of their rumoured targets in January.

Gilmour, though, has settled down really well in West London and is currently enjoying a fine debut season under Frank Lampard, with his man-of-the-match display against Liverpool in the FA Cup a timely reminder of his vast potential that had prompted the Blues to snap him up from Rangers as a rookie three years ago.