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FIFA investigating Manchester City over recruitment of young players

Jason Cairnduff / Reuters

Chelsea isn't the Premier League's only club under investigation.

On Thursday, FIFA confirmed to BBC Sport that Chelsea and Manchester City are being investigated over their signing of youth players. The investigation is "ongoing."

The Blues said on Wednesday they'll comply with "all FIFA statutes and regulations when recruiting players," but the Citizens reportedly had no knowledge of the inquiry and are adamant they've done nothing wrong.

The Premier League sanctioned City in May for breaching Youth Development Rules. The breaches concerned approaches to two academy players who were registered with another club, and the Citizens were fined £300,000 and given a two-year ban in which they can't register academy players - from the age range of under 10 to under 18 - who have been registered with a club in the Premier League or the English Football League.

In a separate matter, City is awaiting a verdict from the Court of Arbitration. A hearing in July saw Velez Sarsfield go up against the Football Association, the Citizens, and FIFA. The case relates to the signing of Benjamin Garre, who left Argentina at 15 years old, spent a few days in Germany, and joined the English club the day after his 16th birthday. The European Union allows 16-year-olds to move freely, and the teenager holds an Italian passport, but El Fortin argues that the free movement must take place within the EU.

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