How Chelsea could actually have been kicked out of the Champions League due to little-known UEFA rule

Chelsea fans are extremely excited about the prospect of Champions League nights being back at Stamford Bridge during the upcoming season.

The Blues have spent two campaigns away from Europe’s elite competition, however will feel confident that Enzo Maresca can help deliver a strong showing, especially after their decimation of current champions PSG in the Club World Cup final.

This will be the first time they play in the competition since the format changed, and Chelsea know they will face two top sides in the group stages, one home and one away.

There has been some controversy over the English sides who will be competing in Europe this season with the final verdict ruling in favour of Nottingham Forest taking Crystal Palace’s place in the Europa League.

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Chelsea would have been kicked out of Champions League if Strasbourg finished above fourth

The FA Cup winners will instead look to replicate Chelsea’s 2024/25 season by winning the Conference League, and their qualification for that starts just days after their trip to Stamford Bridge for the first game of the season.

This came as a result of the Multi-Club Ownership rules, something which Chelsea’s owners will be taking note of given the success Strasbourg experienced last season.

The fellow Blue-Co club achieved qualification to the Conference League, however lost their last two league games of the season, costing them a potential third place finish.

When asked if Chelsea would have been kicked out of the competition if the Ligue 1 side finished in a higher league position than them, journalist Dale Johnson said this would be the case, due to them putting their shares into a blind trust too late.

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Chelsea’s blossoming relationship with Strasbourg

Strasbourg supporters have taken some convincing that their new ownership have their best interests at heart, however qualifying for European football has left far fewer doubting things.

Andrey Santos starred on loan for the French side last season, whilst Djordje Petrovic also impressed greatly in goal.

The 2025/26 season is set to hold a similar story, with some of Chelsea’s brightest stars ready to make their impact again.

Kendry Paez and Mike Penders have already made their first appearances in pre-season, with the hope for all parties being that they can break through as regular starters domestically and in Europe.

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