Chelsea’s recruitment of young talent is under scrutiny after it emerged Burkina Faso international Bertrand Traore played for their U-18 side when aged 16, in an apparent breach of FIFA rules.

Chelsea could even face the prospect of being placed under a transfer embargo if found guilty of wrongdoing.

Chelsea believe Traore was the subject of an option agreement which allowed him to play in friendly games.

FIFA rules prohibit the international transfer of a minor (an under-18), with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid earlier this month handed transfer embargoes for the next two complete windows after breaching the regulations. Both clubs plan to contest the sanctions.

Barcelona were placed under a transfer embargo for infringing the same rules in 2014 and have only this month been allowed to register players again.

A FIFA spokesperson said: “We are not in a position to comment on any investigations that are ongoing so as not to compromise the process, nor do we provide any comments as to whether or not any investigations are under way.”

Press Association Sport supplied a number of questions to Chelsea in an attempt to clarify their position regarding Traore’s involvement in games when he was under 18.

However they would only say: “Bertrand Traore was registered by Chelsea FC in January 2014 in compliance with FA and Premier League Rules.”