Ex-Barcelona director claims Arda Turan or Aleix Vidal could replace Rafinha

Arda Turan or Aleix Vidal could be registered to replace injured Rafinha and feature in Barcelona's team sheet immediately, according to former team director and presidential candidate Toni Freixa.

It was originally believed that the pair of summer signings were ineligible to play until January because of a FIFA-imposed transfer ban, which was thought to continue until the New Year.

However, after pointing out that Barca's transfer ban supposedly expired Aug. 31, Freixa cited an article in the Royal Spanish Football Federation that allows La Liga teams to register players in case of an injury, such as the long-term knee ailment Rafinha sustained during a Champions League match.

"Barca can register a replacement for Rafinha. Article 124.3 of the RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation) is clear and here FIFA have no authority," Freixa said on Twitter.

While Freixa's comments will surely trigger hope among supporters, he revealed to Spanish outlet AS that Barcelona is hesitant to approach FIFA over fears of facing further sanctions for cases involving under-age players signing for the Catalan outfit.

- with translation from ESPNFC