Manchester City could be forced to wait up to 2020 to sign a new player if Fifa ban comes to pass.

The Pep Guardiola side is being investigated for breaching transfer rules regarding young players from outside Europe.

“We have been investigating Manchester City as part of a long-term investigation. We expect there to be an announcement very similar to the Chelsea one in one or two weeks’ time,” Fifa was quoted.

The investigation is a concern to City fans, who are also worried given the two-window transfer ban slapped on Chelsea over the same misconduct.

Chelsea were given this very punishment after irregularities were found in international transfers and the registering of players under the age of 18.

This rule prohibits clubs from signing footballers under the age of 18 from abroad unless their parents are in the country of the club concerned for reasons unconnected with football.

Other exceptions include cases where the team and player are from different countries, but are separated by less than 50 kilometres.

Article 19 also allows the signing of a minor (between 16 and 18 years old in this case) providing both parties are from the European Union or the European Economic Area.

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