Chelsea could be banned from Champions League after winning Conference League amid UEFA warning

Chelsea could be banned from competing in the Champions League after next season amid discussions with UEFA.

The Blues secured automatic qualification for the Europa League by beating Real Betis 4-1 in Wroclaw.

But they will play in the Champions League due to finishing fourth in the Premier League.

Earlier this month, Chelsea could have theoretically been forced to miss out on Champions League football next season due to their ownership situation.

BlueCo, who hold a majority share in the club, also hold a majority stake in Ligue 1 side Strasbourg.

With Liam Rosenior's side having been chasing Champions League qualification, a scenario could have occurred where the two clubs qualified - with UEFA rules forbidding two clubs 'controlled by the same party' from playing in the same competition.

Chelsea have won all four major European trophies

Strasbourg, however, missed out as they eventually finished in seventh place, securing Conference League football instead.

But there is another potential issue for the Blues to deal with that will stretch beyond the upcoming campaign.

It was reported in April by The Times that Chelsea could be sanctioned by UEFA over alleged breaches of their spending limits.

UEFA did not allow Chelsea to count the sale of its women's team to a sister company, as well as two hotels to another sister company, towards its balance sheet.

The report claimed that the 'likely' outcome of ongoing talks with the governing body would be for Chelsea to agree to a financial penalty and agree to a strict spending plan.

It is claimed that, should those parameters be breached again, a ban on European football for one season could be implemented.

Therefore, while it appears unlikely that such a punishment would be introduced for the upcoming campaign, Chelsea could be at risk of being banned from the Champions League for the following season if they commit further rule breaches.

The Athletic reported that Chelsea sources confirmed the club were in discussions with UEFA on the subject, with The Times adding that a verdict is expected to be delivered in May.