LAUSANNE (AFP) - The Court of Arbitration for Sport on Tuesday upheld a one year transfer ban against Spanish football giants Barcelona for breaching rules on signing under-18 players.

The court said in a statement that it had "dismissed" an appeal made by Barcelona.

Barcelona are now banned from buying players during the transfer window that opens on January 1 and for the summer transfer period before the 2015-16 season.

Barcelona was also fined 450,000 Swiss francs (S$605,850).

"The Panel found in particular that FC Barcelona had breached the rules regarding the protection of minors and the registration of minors attending football academies," said the statement.