FIFA will launch an investigation into Chelsea's youth transfer dealings

In 2009, Chelsea were banned from transfers after Gael Kakuta's 2007 signing

FIFA also investigated Bertrand Traore's transfer to the club last year

Chelsea are being investigated by FIFA for breaching their regulations around youth players.

FIFA have confirmed to Sportsmail that they have launched an inquiry into Chelsea's conduct involving signing foreign players under the age 18.

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The game's world governing body is now conducting a thorough investigation into potential impropriety. Atletico Madrid are currently under a transfer ban for breaching FIFA rules over the signing of minors. They appealed the decision, but it was upheld by CAS.

Chelsea are being investigated by FIFA for breaching their regulations around youth players

Atletico Madrid are under a transfer ban but it's believed Chelsea's case is not as bad

Real Madrid were also punished last year, but had their ban reduced from two transfer windows to one.

Although it is not believed Chelsea's case is as serious as the two La Liga clubs, it will be up to FIFA what sanctions they bring when they have concluded their investigation.

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This is the third time Chelsea have been investigated by FIFA for breaching their rules involving minors in eight years. They were banned from signing players for two transfer windows in September 2009 due to Gael Kakuta's 2007 move from Lens, although they successfully appealed the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

FIFA's disciplinary chambers also last year investigated Bertrand Traore's transfer to the club, after pictures emerged of the midfielder playing for the club when he was 16 before he had international clearance.

They were banned from signing players in two windows in 2009 due to Gael Kakuta’s move

FIFA’s disciplinary chambers also last year investigated Bertrand Traore’s transfer to the club

A FIFA spokesman said: 'As the investigation is on-going no further comment is possible for the time being.'

Liverpool and Manchester City have fallen foul of improper conduct surrounding domestic academy players in the past six months months.

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The two clubs have been banned by the Premier League for two years from signing academy player due to tapping up. City were punished for contacting parents of players too early in the recruitment process, while Liverpool offered prohibited inducements to a player and his family. City were fined £300,000, three times as much as Jurgen Klopp's side.

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A Chelsea spokesman said: 'Chelsea FC complies with all FIFA Statutes and Regulations when recruiting players.'