Chelsea have been warned that their handling of Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi could fall under “abusive conduct” as defined by FIFA regulations. The pair have reportedly been excluded from the first-team setup and placed in what has been described as a “bomb squad” of unwanted players. According to reports, they are being forced to train separately, eat apart from teammates, and use different facilities, a move that has drawn criticism from player welfare advocates.
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has already intervened, with its chief executive Maheta Molango contacting Chelsea to raise concerns about the situation. Under FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, Article 14 states that any abusive conduct by a club aimed at forcing a player to terminate or change the terms of their contract could allow that player to walk away with “just cause.” If Sterling or Disasi are able to prove that Chelsea’s actions are designed to pressure them into leaving, they may have grounds to unilaterally terminate their contracts.
Chelsea, however, have defended their stance. Manager Enzo Maresca argued that similar measures are common in football when clubs decide not to involve certain players in their future plans. Maresca dismissed claims that the treatment was extreme, pointing out that difficult circumstances are part of the game and insisting the decisions were made in the best interests of the squad. His comments, however, have done little to ease criticism, with many questioning the fairness of isolating high-profile professionals who remain under contract and available for selection.
The situation highlights the growing debate over how clubs handle surplus players in an era of long-term contracts and inflated wages. While Chelsea deny any wrongdoing, the case has intensified scrutiny on whether such treatment crosses the line into coercion. For now, Sterling and Disasi remain in limbo, but should the players decide to challenge the club under FIFA rules, it could set an important precedent for how football defines and polices “abusive conduct” going forward.
Africa Digital News, New York
