By GETHIN HICKS, SPORTS REPORTER
Published: 07:45 EST, 3 December 2025 | Updated: 07:45 EST, 3 December 2025
Emanuel Emegha, who's set to join Chelsea next summer, has been suspended by Strasbourg after failing to 'respect the values and expectations' of the club.
The Dutch international, 22, sealed his transfer to the Premier League back in September but agreed at the time to see out the rest of the season with the Ligue 1 outfit, where he's club captain.
However Emegha has endured a rather turbulent start to the campaign, culminating in him this week being banned by Strasbourg for their fixture against Toulouse on the weekend.
The decision is thought to be a concequence of some of the forward's comments in the media. In a bizarre statement, Emegha admitted he thought Strasbourg was in Germany while on international duty last month.
'To be honest, I didn't know know that (Strasbourg) was,' he said. 'I thought it was in Germany, but it turned out to be in France. Well, I think everyone knows where Strasbourg is now.'
Emegha featured, and scored, in his side's most recent fixture against Premier League outfit Crystal Palace last Thursday but Strasbourg announced his suspension in a statement released today.
Emanuel Emegha has been suspended by Strasbourg over comments he made during the international break
The 23-year-old admitted he didn't know where Strasbourg was while away with the Netherlands
Emegha agreed a deal to join Chelsea back in September but will not move until next summer
It read: 'Strasbourg have decided to suspend Emanuel Emegha for the next Ligue 1 match this Saturday at Toulouse. This decision was taken after the player recently failed to respect the values and expectations set in the club's rules.
'Le Racing reaffirms its commitment to its key principles of exemplarity and respect for the collective. Emanuel remains an important member of the team, who has always given everything on the pitch. He will be reintegrated into the squad after this match. No further comment will be made.'
It comes after Emegha was jeered by his own supporters just days after his move to Chelsea was announced.
The youngster became the latest star to transfer between Strasbourg and Chelsea, who are both owned by BlueCo. Last summer alone, both Ben Chilwell and Julio Enciso departed Stamford Bridge for the club situated in the east of France.
Before a fixture against Le Havre in September, Strasbourg ultras displayed a banner reading: 'Emegha, pawn of BlueCo. After changing shirt, give back your captain's armband.'
It came as Emegha picked up a Player of the Month award, with his manager Liam Rosenior blasting supporters post-match for their appalling treatment of the club's skipper.
The former Hull City manager said: 'I am very disappointed by what I saw, seeing a banner against one of last season's best players is unacceptable.
'My players deserve much better. They have an impeccable attitude and do not deserve this treatment. This is a pivotal season in which we will be playing in the European Cup, but it seems that a minority are unhappy with our performances.
Strasbourg fans demanded Emegha give up the captaincy before a game against Le Havre in September
It came as Emegha picked up a Player of the Month award, with his manager Liam Rosenior blasting supporters post-match for their appalling treatment of their captain
'It won't change anything because I remain very proud of my players and Emanuel Emegha will remain captain as long as he is here. It must be emphasised that this does not concern everyone, but only a minority.'
While the fee paid by Chelsea to Strasbourg remains undisclosed, the Blues fended off interest from Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest for Emegha's signature.
The player told L'Equipe when the move was sealed: 'It's the best thing for my career: I want to go as high as possible, play in the Champions League, the World Cup.
'I could have signed for clubs participating in the Champions League this summer, but the overall project of Strasbourg and Chelsea appealed to me.
'Now, I want to guide Racing in Europe. With this group, we started something great, and I wanted to see it through to the end. I'm going to give everything for the club this season. I also spoke to the coach about it, and his opinion was important to me.'
Having begun his career at Sparta Rotterdam, the Netherlands international went on to enjoy spells at Royal Antwerp and Sturm Graz before sealing a move to Strasbourg two years ago.
Since joining the Ligue 1 side, Emegha has bagged an impressive 26 goals in 64 appearances in all competitions.