Rare Champions League rule puts an English club in a difficult position

Chelsea may be prevented from playing the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 at their home ground, Stamford Bridge, because of a UEFA rule that few have noticed.

In the early hours of January 29 (Vietnam time), The Blues secured a top 8 spot in the group stage after a 3-2 comeback win against Napoli. Chelsea has now qualified for the Champions League round of 16 following their comeback against Napoli. Liam Rosenior’s team finished the group stage in sixth place and officially advanced to the knockout phase.

According to the upcoming draw results, Chelsea will face one of the following opponents: Monaco, Qarabag, Newcastle United, or Paris Saint-Germain. The knockout playoff draw will take place on January 30. However, Chelsea might not be allowed to play at their home stadium, Stamford Bridge, because of UEFA regulations.

Two fellow London clubs are Arsenal and Tottenham, who finished first and fourth respectively in the group stage, thereby earning the right to host the second leg of the knockout round at home. According to UEFA rules, clubs are not allowed to play “at the same stadium, in the same city, or within a 50km radius” on the same evening.

If this situation occurs in the knockout round, the national football association along with the involved clubs must identify an alternative stadium. Since Chelsea ranked lower than Arsenal and Tottenham in the group stage, they are likely to give up Stamford Bridge and play at a different venue.

Nevertheless, Chelsea can request UEFA to reverse the order of the two legs, allowing them to host the first leg at home to avoid playing at a neutral venue. Additionally, Chelsea could play the second leg of the round of 16 at Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening instead of Tuesday or Wednesday (March 17 or 18). However, this option might cause broadcasting conflicts, as Europa League and Conference League matches are also scheduled for that same week.

Chelsea began their Champions League campaign with a disappointing 1-3 loss to Bayern Munich. Afterwards, they secured two consecutive home wins against Benfica and Ajax, drew 2-2 away at Qarabag, then defeated Barcelona 3-0. Despite a 1-2 loss to Atalanta, subsequent wins over Pafos and Napoli ensured that Chelsea officially qualified for the round of 16.

This marks Chelsea’s first appearance in the Champions League knockout stages since the 2022/23 season, and also their debut in the tournament’s new format. Should they advance far and win the title this season, Chelsea would match the three-time Champions League wins of Inter Milan and Manchester United.