Photo by Qin Zhicheng/VCG via Getty Images
Photo by Qin Zhicheng/VCG via Getty Images
FIFA are always coming up with new rules, and one of their more recent ones will definitely need to be communicated at Chelsea.
Chelsea are once again running a footballing circus with the largest squad in the Premier League, hoarding nearly 40 first-team players. Itβs completely unsustainable, especially without any European football to spread the minutes around.
A mass clear-out is officially underway, with unwanted fringe figures and outcasts like Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana, Marc Guiu, and Trevoh Chalobah all firmly on the chopping block.
However, they need to be careful about how they go about treating these so-called exit-bound players, as Alonso has reportedly told everyone from the list above, barring Chalobah, to train away from the first team squad until their futures are resolved this summer.
Chelsea player ratings vs Juventus
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
However, this could come with its own issues, as a new FIFA rule that was introduced just a matter of months ago means Chelsea have to be careful.
Chelsea face a serious legal trap following an agreement between FIFA and FIFPRO that officially bans the use of so-called bomb squads.
Traditionally, clubs like Chelsea have isolated unwanted players from the first-team environment to force transfers, like we saw under Enzo Maresca.
But under the new rules, intentionally ostracising or demoting players to pressure them out is treated as a breach of contract by the club.
If exiles feel unfairly treated, they now hold the power to unilaterally terminate their contracts and leave on free transfers.
So for Chelsea, who desperately need to trim their bloated squad, Alonso needs to be careful with how he offloads players, as it could backfire massively, costing them millions in lost transfer fees.