Manchester United have warned Le Havre they will take action against them unless they stop repeating claims that the Red Devils offered financial inducements to Paul Pogba’s family in order to lure the teenager to Old Trafford.

Lens president Gervais Martel insists FIFA’s decision to ban Chelsea from signing new players for 18 months is fair.

Chelsea have criticised FIFA’s transfer ban as “totally disproportionate and extraordinary” and pledged to launch the strongest possible appeal against the ruling.

Chelsea have confirmed they are to fight FIFA’s ban on new signings by launching “the strongest possible appeal”.

Chelsea have been hit with a stunning transfer ban by FIFA which will prevent the club signing any new players until January 2011.