FIFA set to hand transfer bans to Real Madrid & Atletico Madrid for signing minors [Cadena Cope]

Big news is breaking in Spain tonight…

Spanish radio station Cadena Cope, usually a pretty reliable source, reports late on Tuesday evening that Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are facing transfer bans, just like the one Barcelona is currently serving.

Atletico Madrid were notified earlier today by FIFA and Real Madrid’s message from football’s world governing body is imminent.

Cadena Cope journalist Joseba Larrañaga claims both Madrid clubs are guilty of signing minors, exactly the same crime that has seen Barcelona banned from signing players in 2015.

FIFA is considering how to punish both clubs but the precedent very much exists in La Liga.

The Spanish football association has also been informed that investigations into the two Madrid giants are ongoing and that sanctions on both clubs are coming.

So, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will likely be unable to sign players for the next two transfer windows – Summer 2015 and January 2016 – pending an appeal.

See a host of Tweets on the big breaking news from Spain that suggests Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will be unable to sign players over the next two transfer windows.

Last RT 1; Spanish radio reporting that Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid are now facing transfer bans, just like Barcelona. — Jonas Giæver (@CheGiaevara) April 28, 2015

Last RT 2: Atlético Madrid were notified by the Spanish football association earlier today, Real Madrid will their message very soon. — Jonas Giæver (@CheGiaevara) April 28, 2015

Last RT 3: if the cases are similar, then Madrid/Atleti will appeal and buy big in the summer due to the pending bans in 2016. — Jonas Giæver (@CheGiaevara) April 28, 2015

COPE: FIFA 'intends' to serve transfer sanctions on Real Madrid & Atleti for the signing of under-age minors. Keyword: 'intends' — M.A.J (@UltraSuristic) April 28, 2015

COPE also say 'possible' sanctions… So before anyone jumps the gun… It isn't confirmed as yet. — M.A.J (@UltraSuristic) April 28, 2015

Even if it were so… Real Madrid can take the Barca route, appeal, sign all the players they want & relax for the next 2 windows. *flex* — M.A.J (@UltraSuristic) April 28, 2015

Atletico Madrid banned from making transfers this summer and next January, per @jrdelamorena / @ellarguero — Rik Sharma (@riksharma_) April 28, 2015

Real Madrid will also be given a similar punishment – both for similar reasons to Barcelona (transfer of minors) — Rik Sharma (@riksharma_) April 28, 2015