Chelsea rocked as striker suspended for ‘failure to respect values, expectations and rules’

Robin Bairner

3 Dec 2025 11:34 GMT
4 min read

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Strasbourg have suspended striker Emmanuel Emegha for their forthcoming Ligue 1 trip to Toulouse for internal disciplinary reasons.

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Emegha, 22, has already agreed to join Chelsea in a transfer deal that will take place next summer.

The move has caused friction at the French side, who face accusations from their own fans that they have become little more than a ‘B’ team for the Premier League giants.

Current ETV

Emmanuel Emegha

F (C)

Strasbourg

Emmanuel Emegha

F (C)

Strasbourg

ETV Range

€23.6M - €28.8M

Emegha suspended by Strasbourg

Strasbourg, who are pushing for Champions League qualification after an excellent start to the season, have made it clear that they will not accept anything but the very highest standards for their players.

In a statement published on the club’s official website, Racing announced that the future Chelsea hitman will not be considered for action at this weekend:

“Racing Club de Strasbourg has decided to suspend Emmanuel Emegha for its next Ligue 1 match, this Saturday, 6 December in Toulouse.

“This decision was taken following the player's recent failure to respect the club's values, expectations and rules.

“Racing reaffirms its commitment to the essential principles of exemplary conduct and respect for the collective framework.

“Emmanuel remains an important member of our team, who has always given his all for the club on the pitch. He will be reintegrated into the squad after this match.

“No further comments will be made.”

It has not been reported what behaviour from Emegha prompted this response from his side.

Should Chelsea be worried?

Emegha has enjoyed a strong start to the season, scoring seven goals across 11 matches for Strasbourg and winning his first international caps for the Netherlands.

Despite heavy criticism for announcing his intention to move to Chelsea so early in the season, he has captained Racing on multiple occasions, although he has struggled with hamstring problems.

He has admitted, meanwhile, that he is an outspoken character.

Speaking to AD, he said: “I believe in the power of the tongue. That's why I'm never afraid to say anything. If you say what you want to achieve, you can achieve it. As long as you believe in it yourself. I'm very proud of myself for achieving this, because I know what it took.”

Chelsea will certainly be monitoring these developments closely, with Enzo Maresca unlikely to take well to a troublesome presence in his squad when Emegha does eventually make the move to Stamford Bridge on a full-time basis.

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