Chelsea face Champions League ban: Boehly takes EMERGENCY action

Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner
  • 9 May 2025 11:30 BST
  • 4 min read
Todd Boehly, Chelsea, Champions League
© IMAGO

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is preparing to take emergency action as the Stamford Bridge side threatens to be blocked from entering the Champions League next season by UEFA.

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The Blues face the potential nightmare scenario of being unable to compete in European football’s top competition next season due to BlueCo’s multi-club ownership arrangement with Strasbourg.

Having performed excellently in Ligue 1 this season, the French team are on the verge of Champions League qualification and could prevent the Blues from taking part in the competition.

UEFA would only allow one BlueCo club to enter the tournament, and with Strasbourg likely to finish higher in their domestic league, it would be Liam Rosenior’s side liable to get the nod from European football’s governing body.

Todd Boehly, Chelsea owner
© IMAGO - Todd Boehly, Chelsea owner

How Chelsea can solve the problem

Boehly and BlueCo are now taking steps to ensure that both clubs are able to compete in the Champions League if they qualify, BBC Sport reports.

Chelsea have been in talks with UEFA since January over the requirements that they must fulfil in order for both teams to play.

There are two solutions to the problem, with BlueCo able to either reduce their stake in one of the clubs or place one of them into a blind trust, ensuring there is no undue collaboration between the team. Inevitably, this will be Strasbourg.

Impact already being felt

Evidence of the relationship between the clubs drifting apart is already evident, with Strasbourg now reportedly seeking to secure striker Emanuel Emegha, one of their leading players this season, to a new contract.

Netherlands U21 forward Emegha is a player who Chelsea had been rumoured to be interested in signing thanks to his spectacular contribution in Ligue 1.

Should both clubs be involved in the same European competition, transfers between them will be banned, leaving a potential problem for Strasbourg, who have Diego Moreira and Andrey Santos on loan from the Blues – another two of their most instrumental players.

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