Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Luis Enrique: Vidal & Arda being punished by Barcelona transfer ban

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has admitted new signings Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan are in a "weird situation", with the pair having to wait until January to make their debuts for the club because of the Catalans' transfer ban.

The European champions were last year banned by Fifa from registering players for two transfer windows due to irregularities in relation to the movement of players under the age of 18.

Consequently, while they were allowed to sign Vidal and Arda during the summer, neither man is eligible for selection until January.

"Arda and Aleix would play if we were allowed to have them at disposal," Luis Enrique told reporters on Tuesday.

"They are living a weird situation, similar when your parents punish the older son for something the little one did!"

However, Barca have reportedly asked Fifa if they can register Arda now, given midfielder Rafinha has been ruled out for the remainder of the season through injury.

Luis Enrique appeared to confirm that an appeal has been launched but refused to be drawn on its chances of success.

"It is not a question of being optimistic about Arda being cleared to play or not," the former Spain international stated.

"But the club is always looking at our best options. However, it is up to Fifa and we can only focus on what we're being asked to do on the field."

Turning his attention to Wednesday's trip to Balaidos, Luis Enrique admitted that he is expecting Barca, who boast a perfect record after four rounds of Liga action, to be given a rough ride by his old club.

"We are anticipating a hard game," he added. "Last year it was a very difficult game even though we played well and won 1-0.

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