Chelsea ‘will not automatically accept Conference League place as strict Uefa rule causes concern’
CHELSEA could decide to reject a spot in the Europa Conference League next season due to Financial Fair Play regulations, it has been claimed.
The Blues were demoted to the Conference League following Manchester United‘s FA Cup win.
GettyChelsea were demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League at the weekend[/caption]
GettyBlues chief Todd Boehly could decide to withdraw from the competition[/caption]
They had initially qualified for the Europa League by finishing sixth in the Premier League table, but that spot was taken by United at the weekend.
A decision will now have to be made on whether or not they decide to accept a spot in the Conference League.
Should they choose to take the opportunity, Chelsea will have to comply with stricter Financial Fair Play rules.
However, football journalist Matt Law believes the Blues could withdraw from the competition for that reason.
Back in April, he told the At The Bridge Podcast: “Because UEFA FFP is stricter than Premier League PSR, Chelsea will not automatically accept an invitation to the Europa Conference League for risk of breaching financial rules and a subsequent European ban.”
There has been no further indication that the Blues could forfeit their spot.
Chelsea have spent around £1billion on player transfers over the last two years, meaning they are now at risk of breaching the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
If found guilty of a breach, they could receive a significant points deduction.
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Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo Maresca
Enzo Maresca is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.
Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.
His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.
He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.
His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.
Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.
He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.
He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.
Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.
He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”
During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.
The Blues are currently on the verge of appointing a new manager following Mauricio Pochettino‘s departure.
Poch left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent last week despite having a positive end to the season.
Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca is understood to be the frontrunner.
