Barca to appeal transfer ban

Barcalona - Barcelona announced on Wednesday they will appeal to sports' highest court after FIFA refused to overturn a transfer ban, a decision the club described as an "affront" to its famed youth academy.

"FC Barcelona announces that it shall continue defending its interests before the highest sporting authority, in this case the Court of Arbitration for Sport," the club said in a statement.

The club said they disagreed with FIFA's decision to maintain a suspension on transfers as a penalty for breaking the rules on transfers of minors, fiercely defending the ideals of its renowned youth academy, La Masia.

"FC Barcelona may not in any way share a resolution that is an affront to the spirit of our Masia, a world renowned example of academic, human and sporting education," Barcelona said.

Barcelona can continue to sign players until the end of the current summer transfer window, but will not then be able to recruit any new players in the next two windows, in January and next summer.