Skipper Terry stunned by Chelsea signings ban

CHELSEA captain John Terry was left stunned by FIFA’s decision to slap a transfer ban on the club until 2011.

The Blues are barred from signing any players during the next two transfer windows after luring teenager Gael Kakuta from Lens.

Chelsea have already confirmed they will launch the “strongest possible appeal” against the punishment.

“It was a big shock to me and it is very difficult,” said Terry. “But it is difficult for me to talk about it. I have spoken to the club and they have reiterated that I can’t speak about it as they are appealing very strongly.

“They are appealing and it’s ongoing from there. Until after the appeal has gone in, or another decision has been made, I can’t say anything.”

Chelsea will appeal through the Court of Arbitration for Sport and their secretary general Matthieu Reeb indicated that a decision over their transfer embargo could be reached before the end of the year.

Chelsea will hope to get the ban overturned or at least reduced. Serie A club Roma were banned from signing players for two transfer windows in 2004 over their move for Philippe Mexes from Auxerre but, after they appealed to the CAS, the ban was reduced to one window.

Meanwhile, Joe Cole and Paulo Ferreira took further steps towards full fitness by taking part in a training ground match at Cobham.