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Manchester City have avoided a transfer ban despite breaking FIFA rules on signing young players.

City escaped with a £315,000 fine from world football’s governing body after the Premier League champions “accepted its responsibility” after breaching regulations on the international transfer of under-18s.

The let-off is unlikely to impress bitter rivals Chelsea who were hit by a two window transfer ban which has severely weakened their chances of winning silverware and getting back into the top four. Chelsea are currently appealing the verdict in the hope they can sign players in January.

It is believed FIFA took a different view because of the sheer scale of Chelsea’s case while City have also sought to prove they have corrected any wrongdoings on signing foreign youngsters since 2016.

The FIFA statement said: “Manchester City FC was found to have breached, amongst others, article 19 of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.

(Image: Action Images via Reuters)

“The Disciplinary Committee took into account the fact that Manchester City FC accepted its responsibility and sanctioned the club with a fine of CHF 370,000.

“The protection of minors is a key element in FIFA’s overall regulatory framework relating to the transfer of players, and the effective enforcement of these rules is paramount, as has also been confirmed on various occasions by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”

In a statement, City said: “The club accepts responsibility for the breaches which arose as a result of misinterpretation of the regulations in question.

“All of the breaches occurred before December 2016 when guidance on the interpretation of the provisions was issued, since which date Manchester City has been fully compliant.

“The club regards highly and shares Fifa’s determination to ensure the protection of minors in football and has cooperated fully with the investigation which has been transparent and evidenced based at all times.”

City are still under investigation by UEFA after allegations they broke Financial Fair Play rules which could lead to a ban from the Champions League while the Premier League are also investigating their recruitment of academy players.