Manchester City have avoided a transfer ban by FIFA for breaches relating to international transfers and registration of players under the age of 18.

The Premier League giants have instead been fined £315,000 for breaking the rules.

Chelsea were handed a one-year transfer ban and fined more than £460,000 after being found guilty of breaching rules about signing minors by FIFA.

FIFA are yet to clarify why the punishments were different when both clubs breached the same rules.

However, it is understood City's admission of guilt played a role in their lighter reprimand, while the governing body insists they studied both complex cases as seperate entities.

City have released a statement in which they claim they breached the rules after a "misinterpretation of the regulations in question".

It read: "Manchester City FC can confirm that it has today received a reprimand and a CHF 370,000 fine following the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee concerning the international transfer of players under the age of 18, particularly in relation to their trial periods and participation in friendly games.

"The Club accepts responsibility for the breaches which arose as a result of misinterpretation of the regulations in question. All of the breaches occurred before December 2016 when guidance on the interpretation of the provisions was issued, since which date Manchester City has been fully compliant.

"The Club regards highly and shares FIFA's determination to ensure the protection of minors in football and has cooperated fully with the investigation which has been transparent and evidenced based at all times."