Under fire Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri is set to be sacked but the club could have difficulties in getting a replacement due to an impending transfer ban.
The Blues’ latest loss came in Sunday’s 2-0 humbling at Everton, leaving them adrift in the race for the Premier League top four. Chelsea would like to keep Sarri until the end of the season, but are aware that growing fan unrest may force their hand.
Maurizio Sarri faces the sack but finding a replacement could be scuppered by transfer ban. Former assistant manager Steve Holland – now with England – is their first choice as replacement but he is with the national side this international break.
The Stamford Bridge hierarchy are worried their impending transfer ban will scupper the appointment of a long-term successor to Sarri. As it stands, Chelsea will not be able to buy players this summer, with star man Eden Hazard looking to move to Real Madrid.
Former assistant manager Steve Holland – now with England – is their first choice as replacement but he is with the national side this international break. The Stamford Bridge hierarchy are worried their impending transfer ban will scupper the appointment of a long-term successor to Sarri.
As it stands, Chelsea will not be able to buy players this summer, with star man Eden Hazard looking to move to Real Madrid. Fans have continued to voice their discontent at results and performances in recent weeks.
Following a 6-0 demolition at the hands of Manchester City last month, the Blues were dumped out of the FA Cup by Manchester United and then lost the League Cup final in embarrassing circumstances. Sarri’s authority was called into question after goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga refused to be substituted in extra time.
Sarri has seen his authority called into question most notably by Kepa in the League Cup final
Chelsea face a transfer ban this summer which could scupper attempts to find a replacement A recovery in form eased tensions but an abject second half performance at Goodison Park on Sunday leaves the club three points adrift of fourth-placed Arsenal. Failing to reach the Champions League could be a major blow for the club as they will be unable to strengthen in the summer.
Chelsea were handed a two-window transfer ban by FIFA last month after it was deemed that the club breached rules regarding the signing of overseas players under the age of 18. The club appealed the decision but they were then denied the chance to have their ban frozen during the appeal process, which left the Blues ‘astonished’. A statement from the club read: ‘Chelsea Football Club is astonished by the FIFA appeal committee’s decision not to suspend its sanction pending completion of the appeal process.
Eden Hazard could be tempted to leave the club if they unable to strengthen due to the ban
Zinedine Zidane has returned to Real Madrid and Hazard could be part of a rebuilding project
‘So far as the club is aware, in all previous cases where a registration ban has been imposed by FIFA, a decision has also been made to suspend the sanction until the appeal process has been completed. ‘Chelsea considers that it is being treated inconsistently in comparison with other European clubs.’
The ban has called into question the future of star player Eden Hazard, who has long been courted by Spanish giants Real Madrid. Matters are expected to come to a head this summer as the 28-year-old is now reaching the latter stages of his career. As a result, he could well be tempted by any rebuilding project conducted by returning Real boss Zinedine Zidane. With the Blues unable to rebuild themselves, that could force Hazard’s hand despite remaining fiercely loyal to the west London club.