Chelsea will be able to sign players in January after their FIFA-imposed transfer ban was reduced on appeal by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The London club was handed a two-window transfer ban by FIFA in February this year for breaching rules relating to the transfer and registration of young players.

But that punishment has now been halved to one window, which was already served in the summer, after Chelsea appealed to CAS. A fine of 600,000 Swiss Francs was also reduced to 300,000 Swiss Francs (£231,000).

The CAS ruling, published to the organisation’s website on Friday, stated that Chelsea did break rules relating to “the international transfer of minors” and the “first regulation of minors,” but in a significantly smaller number of cases than found by FIFA.

Violation of other rules around the regulations on the status and transfer of players (RSTP) were also found to be less serious, CAS found.

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Chelsea have enjoyed a positive start to the season despite being unable to sign players last summer and losing the likes of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid.

New manager Frank Lampard has put his faith in youth, with young English stars such as Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori making a significant impact so far.

The club are currently fourth in the Premier League table, and the possibility of adding to the squad would most likely only enhance their chances of securing a top four finish and Champions League football next season.

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