FIFA says English teams spend most in $4.1bn transfer market

LONDON (AP) — FIFA says English clubs are dominating international transfer spending, accounting for almost 30 percent of the $4.06-billion market.

The Global Transfer Market report shows English clubs spent $1.2 billion on players from outside the country in 2014.

Spanish clubs are the next biggest spenders with deals worth $700 million, and they generated a global record $667 million from international transfers.

Brazil was the most active country in 2014 with 1,335 moves in and out of the country.

Spain remains the biggest market for signing players under the age of 18 from abroad. Of 400 applications, 352 were accepted by FIFA.

It comes as Barcelona is banned from any signings in 2015 as punishment for breaching the rules when signing minors. Some of Real Madrid's deals are now being looked into.