Chelsea should learn this week whether they are free to buy players this summer or whether their FIFA-imposed transfer ban will stand.Chelsea, who take on Manchester United in a crucial clash for both teams’ Champions League qualification hopes, were initially handed a two-window ban by FIFA in February for signing under-age non EU players. They had expected it to be suspended over the summer while they appealed against the sentence, as it was for Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in similar circumstances. FIFA stunned Chelsea by insisting that the ban would apply immediately – leaving them no scope to replace Eden Hazard, assuming that he leaves for Real Madrid for £100m this summer.However, earlier this month Chelsea appealed against the immediate enforcement of the ban, arguing that given that the alleged offences – which they still dispute – took place at the same time as the Spanish clubs, they cannot reasonably be treated differently.FIFA have told that they should expect a verdict two weeks after their appeal, which took place on April 11th, meaning this week they ought to hear whether they can proceed with summer transfer plans to sign Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho and a centre forward.Chelsea clearly would face a tumultuous summer if their ban were imposed. Hazard’s contract runs out in 2020 and the club is aware that he won’t sign another deal. Those close to the Chelsea board say they will sell the Belgian to Real Madrid but are expecting the Spanish club to pay £100m. Christian Pulisic, who will fill the wide right attacking role, signed in January for £58m and will join up with the team this summer after completing his time at Borussia Dortmund.However with teenage star Callum Hudson-Odoi, currently out with a ruptured Achilles, also not about to sign a new deal and free to negotiate with Bayern Munich, his preferred move, in January, managing director Marina Granovskaia will have to use all her acumen to ensure Chelsea don’t fall further behind the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City, which is why Sunday’s game at Old Trafford and qualification for the Champions League is so important.Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri insists that next season he will be able to close the gap on Manchester City – which is currently 22 points with three games left to play – with or without a transfer ban. He sent a clear message to Chelsea’s board, who had considered dismissing him in February, that he wants to stay in London and rebuild the club.’The Premier League is wonderful, and I want to remain in the Premier League,’ said Sarri. ‘I want to remain in Chelsea because the level is very, very high. ‘The atmosphere in the stadiums is really fantastic. And so it’s a wonderful championship. I’d like to remain here.’Discussing the prospect of rebuilding with a possible transfer ban, Sarri said: ‘Of course, with the market, it’s better. But we can improve without the market too, I think.’I am sure that, in two seasons, we will be able to be c
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