Chelsea banned from making transfers



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Good news? 

Manchester United seem certain to launch a vigorous defence of their position if the case of former Le Havre youngster Paul Pogba is referred to Fifa.

Chelsea have vowed to appeal against a ban on signing players for the next two transfer windows after being found guilty of improper conduct in their recruitment of Gael Kakuta from French club Lens.

Le Havre have confirmed they are requesting Fifa to investigate the case of Pogba, who they claim had agreed to join them, only to walk out in favour of the Old Trafford outfit.

Fifa have so far failed to register Pogba's arrival at Old Trafford, although United insist they have done nothing wrong.

"It is complete nonsense," a spokesman for United said. "Everything has been done within Uefa guidelines."

However, Le Havre managing director Alain Belsoeur claims to have documentation showing United offered inducements for Pogba to join them and has vowed to include it in submissions to the world's governing body.

"We are still pursuing our case," Belsoeur told The Times. "It is a very serious case. We are confident that we'll win because it is in the best interests not just of our club but of sport.

"We spend €5 million on our academy every year out of a turnover of €12 million. It is a huge investment.

"We do that to give a chance to our players to develop for our first team, not to be an academy for others.

"What is the point of investing in an academy if the players leave at 16? This is clearly a message from Fifa to protect the education system."

any match this weekend?

Manchester United defender Craig Cathcart has returned to Old Trafford for treatment on a hamstring injury.

Cathcart, who spent last season on loan at Plymouth, suffered the setback in Northern Ireland Under-21s 2-0 defeat by the Czech Republic in a European Championship qualifier.

The injury completed a difficult week for the 20-year-old, who seemed on the verge of a move to Newcastle, only for it to break down at the last minute.

Blackburn defender Johnny Flynn has also been ruled out of the next qualifier against Iceland on Tuesday after pulling up with a knee injury.

Park Ji-sung's agent claims the midfielder has agreed a new three-year contract at Manchester United.

The South Korean midfielder, who has been in talks with the Red Devils for some time, will now remain with the Red Devils until at least 2012.

Park joined United from PSV Eindhoven in 2005 and has been a considerable success during his time in England.

He has become an important cog in the Old Trafford machine, despite finding himself behind the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo for much of his time at the club.

He became the first Asian player to feature in a UEFA Champions League final when he featured in United's 2-0 defeat to Barcelona in May, while he has been crucial to helping raise the Red Devils' profile in Korea.

Park has now decided to commit his long-term future to Sir Alex Ferguson's side, with his new deal set to take him past his 31st birthday.

"Park and Manchester United have reached an agreement on a three-year deal," Park's agent Kim Jung-Soo told Yonhap news agency.

"The contract will be effective through June 2012."

Giggs & Scholes are on fire now! They're giving their best in their final years...

Craig Bellamy and Gary Neville have received warnings from the Football Association following separate incidents in the Manchester derby but they will not face charges.

The FA launched an investigation on Monday after Bellamy pushed his hand into the face of a supporter who had invaded the Old Trafford pitch.

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes defended his striker after the altercation and the FA have now decided not to take action.

Gary Neville of Manchester United, a non-playing substitute in the game, has also escaped punishment after celebrating his side's winner by running down the touchline towards the City fans.

Both players have been told to behave in future but they will not be charged with improper conduct - with referee Martin Atkinson telling FA officials that he would not have sent off Bellamy had he seen the incident.

A statement released by the FA said: "The FA has today warned both Manchester City's Craig Bellamy and Manchester United's Gary Neville following separate incidents in Sunday's fixture at Old Trafford.
Reminded of responsibilities

"In relation to Craig Bellamy the match referee has confirmed that he would not have sent the player off had he seen the incident with the fan at the time.

"Craig Bellamy will be contacted by the FA and warned as to his future conduct.

"The FA would repeat its previous advice that players should not become involved with or approach fans in such circumstances.

"The FA would also take this opportunity to remind fans, managers and players of their joint responsibility towards the game and strongly condemns any pitch invasions by fans.

"Gary Neville has been reminded of his responsibilities following his actions after Manchester United's final goal deep into injury time."

Coin

United have also avoided any disciplinary action after City substitute Javier

Garrido was struck on the head by a coin as he walked down the tunnel at half-time.

The statement added: "The FA has also contacted Manchester United regarding a coin-throwing incident during the same fixture.

"The FA fully expects the club to use all available means to identify and deal with the culprit appropriately and, along with the fan who entered the field of play, look to issue bans on attending future matches."