Enzo Maresca, Gianni Infantino, Chelsea
Credit: Imago
Keith Hackett
Thu 26 June 2025 8:00, UK
FIFA should allow Enzo Maresca to make decisions on his Chelsea squad without the fear of repercussions, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Italian, as well as Pep Guardiola and every other manager, has the right to change his starting lineup throughout the tournament.
After winning their opening game 2-0 against LAFC, the Blues made four changes to the lineup to face Flamengo, before then fielding the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Josh Acheampong, and Filip Jorgensen against Esperance.
Most fans at Stamford Bridge will tell you this was a weakened team for the final game of the group stage, and the Daily Mail reports (22 June) that Chelsea faces a potential punishment from FIFA.
FIFA to punish Chelsea at the Club World Cup
It is understood that the West London side signed an agreement to field their “strongest team throughout the competition”, though FIFA insiders have now admitted this is much harder than expected.
Attempting to punish clubs for this is likely to become very subjective, with it not being known what FIFA sanction would be handed out should the rules be broken.
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Hackett agrees that the entire situation is very trivial, suggesting that all decisions involving which Chelsea players are on the pitch should be down to Maresca and his backroom staff over the coming days.
One player who will definitely not be involved is striker Nicolas Jackson, who Hackett believes should be sent home after his red card against Fluminense.
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea
Enzo Maresca won the Europa Conference League title with Chelsea last season. (Credit: Imago)
Enzo Maresca to make the right decision for his players
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “FIFA have to be very careful here. Any club, Man City, Chelsea, or anyone else, have to submit their squad in advance of the tournament.
“One of them, I believe, Chelsea, has basically played two different starting lineups across the different games, and they have every right to do so. The weather has been difficult, with lightning and increased humidity.
“You don’t see that on the television screen, and while you might feel it inside the stadium, when you’re running around on the pitch, you feel the humidity kick in.
Keith Hackett
Keith Hackett has warned FIFA over getting involved.
“The information that these managers have, in terms of minutes played, recovery time, and health data, is far better than it used to be. It’s incumbent that they don’t downgrade the opposition from those in the Premier League.
“Some of these players who are participating in the tournament must be fatigued. Leave the decisions down to the manager, because the managers want to win the trophy, but science has to come in.
“Owners, fans, and players will want to win the tournament. But the manager needs to ensure the well-being of every player at his disposal. FIFA must not make that decision.”
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