MADRID: Javier Tebas, president of the Spanish league, has defended Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, describing the transfer bans issued to both clubs by world federation FIFA as “medieval.”

The clubs were found guily of breaching ryles over the signing of under-18 players from overseas and have been banned from signing players for the next two transfer windows.

Both clubs have confirmed they will appeal against the ban to both FIFA’s appeal committee and then to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if necessary.

Speaking to an audience at a conference in Brussels, Tebas critcised the decision to ban the teams from making transfers. He argued that youth players who arrive from overseas not only receive a great footballing education but are also well looked after by the clubs.

Tebas said that FIFA should look to change its rules, because at present the clubs are being punished for assisting the development of young players.

“La Liga is against child slavery and trafficking of minors but this has nothing to do with coming to play football at the schools of Real Madrid, Barcelona or Atletico, because it is undoubtable that there they are well looked after,” he added.

“What is needed is to change the rules on youths in a rational way, because what FIFA is doing makes no sense.”

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