FIFA hits Barcelona with signing ban

Barcelona was banned by FIFA from signing new players for next season after being found guilty on Wednesday of repeatedly breaching transfer regulations in bringing youth players to its renowned La Masia program.

The sanction, which covers the summer and January transfer periods, followed an investigation over the past year into Barcelona's signing of players under 18 from 2009-13.

FIFA found the signing of 10 unidentified players to be in breach of its rules covering the protection of minors. A fine of $509,000 was imposed on Barcelona, which was given 90 days "to regularize the situation of all minor players concerned".