Chelsea could be BANNED from Champions League if they finish in top five this season amid UEFA warning

Chelsea might be *BANNED from Champions League* if they end the season in the Premier League’s top five, following a *UEFA warning*.

Currently, the Blues hold fifth place in the Premier League standings, a position that would earn them a Champions League place next season through UEFA’s coefficient system.

They are guaranteed at least a seventh-place finish, ensuring them a spot in the Conference League.

Additionally, Chelsea will play the Conference League final later this month against Real Betis. Winning that match would secure them Europa League qualification.

However, two issues could potentially stop Chelsea from participating in the Champions League, even if they qualify—one of which could eliminate them from European competition entirely.

According to *The Times*, UEFA could sanction Chelsea due to suspected breaches of financial regulations. Specifically, UEFA allegedly won’t allow them to include income from selling their women’s team or hotels to related companies in their financial records.

While a full ban from European competition is considered less likely, Chelsea could instead face strict spending restrictions and a fine, with additional penalties if they violate the plan.

*BBC Sport* now reports that UEFA is also examining Chelsea’s ownership structure.

BlueCo, the main stakeholder in Chelsea, also controls French club Strasbourg, who are unexpectedly chasing a Champions League spot under manager Liam Rosenior.

UEFA regulation Article 5.02 states that two clubs owned by the same group cannot participate in the same tournament.

Reportedly, the solution being discussed involves placing Strasbourg into a “blind” trust and removing “any conflicts like board members or staff working across the two clubs.”

If no agreement is reached, UEFA has the authority to exclude either Strasbourg or Chelsea from European competition.

In such a case, the team finishing higher in their respective domestic league would be given the European spot. A similar situation may also affect Nice and Manchester United, both of which are partly owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, in relation to the Europa League.

UEFA allowed both teams to compete after Ratcliffe restructured Nice’s ownership.

At this point, there is no indication of a different resolution for Chelsea and Strasbourg. But since Strasbourg must place third to reach the Champions League, this could pose a challenge for Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly and his fellow owners.

To be safe, Maresca’s squad would likely need to finish above fourth place to “guarantee” their Champions League participation if the worst-case scenario occurs.