Chelsea move to delay ban

will contest the ban, which could be reduced if it is not overturned, and are prepared to take the case all the way to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

That would almost certainly force a delay in enforcing it, giving Sarri or his successor the summer window to sign reinforcements.

Ex-Blues coach and England assistant manager Steve Holland is one caretaker candidate if Sarri is shown the door.

Chelsea, who were yesterday drawn to face Dynamo Kiev in the last 16 of the Europa League next month, were also fined

£460,000 by FIFA.

It follows a lengthy probe into Chelsea’s signing of foreign

under-18 players, including former striker Bertrand Traore, with breaches found in 29 of the

92 cases investigated. Traore officially joined Chelsea on January 1, 2014, on the first day of the transfer window opening following his 18th birthday on September 6, 2013.

However, he had appeared as a trialist on the 2013 pre-season tour and pictures emerged of him playing for Chelsea

under-18s in 2011 in an apparent breach of FIFA regulations.

FIFA would not say if Burkina Faso-born Traore was one of the

29 players whose signing resulted in the sanction.

But it aroused suspicions which prompted the investigation.

FIFA regulations forbid the international transfer of players under 18, unless in specific circumstances not related to football.

Players aged over 16 are permitted to move within the European Union providing set criteria are met.

The FA, who were fined £390,000 for their part in the fiasco, will also appeal.

A Chelsea spokesman said the club was “extremely disappointed” and insisted it “will shortly be submitting its appeal” in the belief it acted “in accordance with the relevant regulations”.

If the ban is not delayed it would have major implications, with Chelsea unlikely to sanction the sale of Hazard should he try to force a move to Real Madrid.

It would also make it harder to attract a big-name manager should the club sack Sarri.