Chelsea Risk Champions League Ban Despite Top-Five Finish Due to UEFA Issues
Chelsea, currently in fifth place in the Premier League—which would typically qualify them for the Champions League—could still be barred from participating next season due to UEFA concerns.
Manager Enzo Maresca’s team is set to finish no lower than seventh, ensuring at least a spot in the Conference League, and they also have a chance to qualify for the Europa League by winning the Conference League final against Real Betis.
However, two significant issues could derail their Champions League hopes. First, Chelsea may face sanctions over alleged financial rule breaches. UEFA reportedly doesn’t accept revenue from the sale of the club’s women’s team or hotels to related companies, possibly leading to fines, spending restrictions, or, in the worst-case scenario, a ban from European competitions.
Second, UEFA rules prevent two clubs owned by the same entity from entering the same European tournament. Chelsea’s majority owner, BlueCo, also owns French club Strasbourg, who are close to securing Champions League qualification themselves. According to UEFA regulations (Article 5.02), only one of the two clubs could be allowed to compete in the tournament. Talks are ongoing to resolve the ownership conflict, possibly by placing Strasbourg into a ‘blind trust’ and removing overlapping management roles.
If no solution is found, UEFA could decide which club qualifies based on league position. This situation mirrors one involving Manchester United and Nice, who both received UEFA clearance after restructuring ownership.
For now, Chelsea may need to finish above fourth to guarantee their place in Europe’s top competition, as the situation develops.
