Defying ban, Barcelona signs Sevilla's Aleix Vidal

Barcelona have reportedly signed Sevilla defender Aleix Vidal for a fee of 16 million pounds, defying the transfer ban imposed on them

London: Barcelona have reportedly signed Sevilla defender Aleix Vidal for a fee of 16 million pounds, defying the transfer ban imposed on them.


Aleix Vidal. Pic/AFP 

The Champions League winners were barred from signing players in 2015 after being found guilty of breaching FIFA's rules on the transfer of players aged under 18, the BBC reported.

Fifa rules state that international transfers are only permitted for players over the age of 18 - unless the player in question meets one of three qualifying criteria.

Vidal is set to replace Dani Alves at right-back, with the Brazilian out of contract. Vidal, who is signed for a five-year deal, will, however not be able to play till January 2016.

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