FC Barcelona cannot register new players "under any circumstances" before January 4. This is the club's answer to the suggestions that they can add a player to the squad to replace Rafinha Alcantara.

Toni Frieros

The RFEF would allow them to register a different player, while the FIFA transfer ban for two windows has, in theory, expired, which has left the situation in a state of confusion. This thesis is defended by, for example, Toni Freixa, who says the club should register Arda Turan. However, the club say that this would be impossible.

Barcelona asked FIFA three months ago about when exactly the penalty expired. FIFA said that "under no circumstances" can Barcelona register a new player until January 4. Thus, the club refers to this and follows a "zero risk" policy with FIFA, and do not plan on asking the question again. So they cannot register Arda Turan or Aleix Vidal until 2016.