Barcelona appeals FIFA ruling on playing 15yo

FIFA said on Wednesday it had been contacted by Spain's federation about "the international transfer of the minor player Theo Chendri." FIFA declined further comment because "the matter is still pending with our services."

Barcelona is renowned for training and educating young players such as Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta at its Masia academy in the hope they develop the talent to graduate to the senior team.

FIFA exerts rigid control over transferring minors across international borders.

Barcelona said FIFA initially sent a directive through the Catalan federation not to play Lee Seung Woo, a South Korean whom the club value as one of its most promising talents at Masia.

The club said the ban was based on a possible violation of Article 19 of the "regulations for the statute and transfer of players."

Barcelona spokesman Chemi Terres said FIFA's communication caught the club by surprise.

Confusion at the club grew when FIFA extended its ban to Chendri and four more Masia students: Koreans Paik Seung-Ho and Jang Gyeolhee, the Nigerian-Dutch minor Bobby Adekanye and Cameroon player Patrice Sousia.