BREAKING: Some Chelsea players could miss Champions League clash against Lille after latest UEFA decision
According to latest reports Via Daily Mail, The Blues are seeking clarification from UEFA amid fears they could be without unvaccinated players for their Champions League game in Lille, after the French government confirmed athletes will not be exempt from their vaccine pass requirement.
France’s sport’s ministry have revealed athletes visiting the country to compete will not be exempt from the country’s vaccine requirements, which are set to come into effect in the coming days and will require people over the age of 16 to prove they have been vaccinated against Covid-19 in order to enter public venues like sports stadiums, bars and restaurants.
Under existing UEFA rules, any players unable to travel due to local government restrictions are treated as if they have tested positive. These rules will be reviewed next week.
Several players in the Chelsea squad are not fully vaccinated and there are fears they could be barred from entering France for the second-leg Champions League game against Lille.
However, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel insists it’s unacceptable for Chelsea to be 13 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City.
Asked if the 13-point gap to City was acceptable, Tuchel replied: “No, of course not, we would never have accepted that before.
“We would not have accepted it one year ago, or four weeks ago and I did not accept it at City (last Saturday).”