FIFA have confirmed that Real Madrid is currently under investigation for irregularities in their signing of youth players. Should it be deemed that the Spanish club have breached the governing body’s regulations, the reigning Club World Cup and European champions could face similar sanctions to those which were handed down on Barcelona – the Catalan side was barred from signing players for two transfer windows.

“For the moment no formal disciplinary proceedings have been opened,” a FIFA spokesman said. “We are unable to provide any further information at this time.

Rumors of an investigation into the La Liga club’s dealings have been circulating for months, but were perceived as a “wake-up call” for other European sides to straighten out their policies for signing youth players.

Earlier this month, the Catalan daily SPORT revealed that FIFA were investigating Real Madrid for their dealings in the youth market. The governing body contacted the La Liga club and requested documentation on seventy players in their system. While this does not mean that all of these players were signed unfairly or illegally, the amount of names being investigated raised flags at the club.

Madrid officials have cooperated with FIFA, but there is a growing concern amongst fans that the organization is planning to impose a transfer embargo on the Spanish club. While supporters are uneasy, Madrid representatives are confident that they have operated above board and have had no issues cooperating with the governing body.

“All I’m going to say is that we agree with FIFA on this matter,” said Emilio Butagueno, Real Madrid’s director of institutional relations. “We have worked with FIFA and shall continue to work with FIFA and of course, we’re absolutely confident in Real Madrid’s transfer dealings.”

FIFA is also investigating several other La Liga clubs, but have yet to confirm the names.

Speculation in the media is the reigning champions of Spain, Atletico Madrid, are one of the teams under FIFA’s scrutiny.