Chelsea Maresca Boehly
Keith Hackett
Tue 20 May 2025 16:51, UK
Keith Hackett has dismissed the chances of UEFA agreeing to a rule change demanded by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that European football’s governing body cannot influence domestic fixture schedules, despite the Italian’s complaints over a potential advantage to Real Betis ahead of the Europa Conference League final.
It has turned into something of a difficult first season at Stamford Bridge for Maresca with Chelsea fans already calling for him to be sacked at times.
However, the Italian still has the chance to salvage the season in the course of a crucial few days in the next week or so.
Keith Hackett
Keith Hackett has reacted to Enzo Maresca putting pressure on UEFA.
Enzo Maresca facing defining week
On Sunday (25 May), the Blues travel to Nottingham Forest on the final day of the Premier League season, where both teams will be among several clubs fighting to qualify for the Champions League.
They then face a quick turnaround, with Chelsea having qualified for the final of the UEFA Conference League, which takes place in Wroclaw on Wednesday 28 May, where they will face Real Betis.
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Given all games on the final day of the Premier League season kick off at the same time, Maresca‘s side will be at a disadvantage in that European final.
La Liga have allowed Betis to play their league game this weekend on Friday (23 May), ensuring they have two days more than Chelsea to prepare for the final.
Unsurprisingly, Maresca is not happy about that, and has called on UEFA to implement a rule stipulating that clubs playing in a European final must play their game beforehand at the same time [Daily Mail].
But while Hackett sympathises with the frustrations of the Blues boss, he says that is not a change that can be implemented.
Position Played GD Points
3. Newcastle United 37 +22 66
4. Chelsea 37 +20 66
5. Aston Villa 37 +11 66
6. Manchester City 36 +24 65
7. Nottingham Forest 37 +13 65
As of 20 May
Chelsea rule change hopes to be ignored
After being asked by Football Insider if he thinks UEFA could implement a rule such as the one called for by the Chelsea manager, Hackett said:
“UEFA are unable to dictate when games are played in the Premier League or other league domestic competitions
“I fully understand the frustration and unfairness regarding the European Final game in Europe. I have said for sometime that Premier league fixtures often impact on European competitions for our clubs.
“The Premier League also have a duty to ensure that the integrity of their competition is upheld right to the final seconds of the season.
Enzo Maresca shouting during a Chelsea game
Enzo Maresca looks set to be disappointed (Credit: Imago)
“It has been the policy and practice to kick off the last games of the season at the same time and date.
“I can recall in my period in office a premier league official at every ground all with a live phone contact into the Premier League Office.
“The shout of ‘go go go’ would ensure that every team kicked off at the same time.”
Chelsea’s frustrations may be added to by the fact that the Premier League moved Tottenham’s clash with Aston Villa to last Friday (16 May).
That ensured they kicked off their final game before their Europa League final this Wednesday (21 May) at the same time as opponents Man United, who ironically were playing Maresca’s side.
Given that was a scenario involving two teams in the same league though, that will have made the logistics of the change rather more simple.
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