Chelsea are seeking clarification from UEFA amid fears they could be without unvaccinated players for their Champions League game in Lille, after the French government confirmed athletes will not be exempt from their vaccine pass requirement.
Under existing UEFA rules, any players unable to travel due to local government restrictions are treated as if they have tested positive. These rules will be reviewed next week.
Chelsea’s concern indicates that some players in Thomas Tuchel’s first-team squad are not fully vaccinated, and would therefore be unavailable for the second leg of the tie on March 16.
Lille may have similar problems getting all their players back to France after the first leg at Stamford Bridge next month. UEFA could opt to switch both ties to neutral venues, but sources insist such as move is unlikely as they don’t want to risk undermining the vaccination drive.
Meanwhile, Blues boss Tuchel has told his players it is unacceptable that they are 13 points behind Manchester City.
Chelsea, who play Brighton on Wednesday night, were tipped to push City all the way in the Premier League after an excellent start to the season.
But a winter slump has seen Tuchel’s side fall off the pace and last Saturday’s loss to City leaves them facing a mountain to climb.
Asked if the 13-point gap to City was acceptable, Tuchel replied: ‘No, of course not, we would never have accepted that before.
‘We would not have accepted it one year ago, or four weeks ago and I did not accept it at City (last Saturday).’
Meanwhile, Manchester City have abandoned plans for a training camp in Abu Dhabi this month due to the recent Covid outbreak within their squad.
benaeikmot
0
Chelsea they kack weak
denniskonye12
0
if you're from Nigeria, you wouldn't ask people to get jabbed anymore, all the ones who did, were jabbed with expired vaccines, I am tired of this covid propaganda
bro news carried it, guess you're just stuck in all football
Stupendous1
1
if you're from Nigeria, you wouldn't ask people to get jabbed anymore, all the ones who did, were jabbed with expired vaccines, I am tired of this covid propaganda
Why do you reason like this? What do you have to back up this nonsense you just typed?
wunlo
0
No vaccine no play for Chelsea..anti vax is ridiculous
dipset1
1
Why not vaccinate every player? We still have time? The greatest football clubs in the world must set the example so that all reluctant people and those against the vaccination can change their minds. These clubs should be the agent of propagating messages on the significance of vaccines. These clubs and football superstars can save the world from coronavirus.
u should keep quiet ...u are not a real Chelsea fan ....trying to kill off our players with the killer vaccine
NeilOberholzerjwjje
0
if you're from Nigeria, you wouldn't ask people to get jabbed anymore, all the ones who did, were jabbed with expired vaccines, I am tired of this covid propaganda
yes but that your country in our European countries the vaccine works and is not expired
denniskonye12
2
if you're from Nigeria, you wouldn't ask people to get jabbed anymore, all the ones who did, were jabbed with expired vaccines, I am tired of this covid propaganda
Sesbdeiuz
0
not everyone wants the vaccine some it doesn't help them they just become sick after vaccine so they can't force them
jikdeklryz
0
who ziyech will play,ziyech working so odoi play after pulisic havertz is the team
BryanEbohon
1
Why not vaccinate every player? We still have time? The greatest football clubs in the world must set the example so that all reluctant people and those against the vaccination can change their minds. These clubs should be the agent of propagating messages on the significance of vaccines. These clubs and football superstars can save the world from coronavirus.
vaccination is not Saving anybody. it doesn't prevent COVID nor does it reduce the chances of you getting it
Sergioramoshd
0
this is what I wanted for the start of the season
We’re over half way through the season😂😂
Pidabcdenr
3
Why vaccinate players when everyone experiencing heart problems after the doses??
NorbuG
2
Why not vaccinate every player? We still have time? The greatest football clubs in the world must set the example so that all reluctant people and those against the vaccination can change their minds. These clubs should be the agent of propagating messages on the significance of vaccines. These clubs and football superstars can save the world from coronavirus.
ifadac
2
I advise Tuchel and other managers to plan for success with available players; I don't think any fan would like to hear cock-and-bull stories. My club manager, for instance, came out with 4-2-2-2 system, accompanied with long grammar. I am not interested in the grammar; if he failed to deliver at the end of the season, he is nothing but a failure. Other managers, please be advised and be guided accordingly...
Fisekno
2
this is what I wanted for the start of the season
Kemmar
1
cant buy or sell without the mark.
dukaikmstz
2
chelsea has alot of talented players ..
TigerShark
0
just get vaccination..and put this case to the bed.. so there will be no worries for next round if they get thru
DawitAs
1
Even Trump got vaccinated and the booster. What's the hold up people?!
They showed what you needed to see 🐏🐏🐏
ElBorracho
1
Even Trump got vaccinated and the booster. What's the hold up people?!