Barcelona asks FIFA to ease sanctions

Barcelona - Barcelona says it asking FIFA to ease restrictions on some of its youth players connected to the club's one-year transfer ban.

Last year, FIFA punished Barcelona for breaking rules regarding the transfer of youth players by banning the club from signing new first-team members during 2015.

Barcelona says that is has "presented a request to regularize the situation of, amongst others, five players from the youth teams."

It says FIFA has ruled that these players are currently not allowed "to train, play or live at the club's facilities."

Barcelona's La Masia training academy has produced a steady stream of world class talents, including Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas.