Chelsea 'could face exclusion from Europe' as UEFA 'ban' loophole used by Todd Boehly

Chelsea could face possible exclusion from European competition over a loophole that UEFA has now confirmed to be banned, it has been reported.

Chelsea will qualify for this season's Europa Conference League if they progress through the play-off round.

Enzo Maresca's side beat Swiss outfit Servette 2-0 in the first leg, with the second leg due to be played on Thursday evening.

The start of Chelsea's season has been dominated by off-pitch matters, with the Blues having a first team squad of 43 players.

That has been eased by sales in the last week, while Maresca has publicly told players that have been 'exiled' from the first team that they will not play a minute under him and must leave the club for game time.

One way in which Chelsea have eased issues relating to financial rules - given their big spending - is by registering income from the sales of other assets to sister companies.

They banked £76.5 million from the sale of two hotels, and sold the Chelsea women's team to the club's parent company.

But according to The Times, UEFA will not allow that particular 'loophole' to be exploited.

It is claimed that UEFA will assess whether Chelsea have breached any rules using an independent panel. The 'loophole' has not been closed by the Premier League.

Possible sanctions, it is reported, include a warning, a fine, or even banning a team from European competition.

Any punishment would only come into effect from next season.

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In April, upon the publication of Chelsea's most recent accounts, chairman Todd Boehly confirmed that the club were on course to adhere to UEFA rules and avoid any such punishment as a result.

Although the club have spent nearly £200 million this summer, they have significantly scaled back on the over £1 billion the new ownership spent during their first two summers at the helm.

And over £100 million has been raised through sales, including of midfielder Conor Gallagher and defender Ian Maatsen.

SPORTbible has contacted Chelsea Football Club for comment.