Chelsea could drop out of competition after ban threat - Kieran Maguire
It will be "disappointing" if Chelsea decide to withdraw from the Europa Conference League next season to avoid Uefa's financial regulations.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who exclusively told Football Insider that Chelsea pulling out of the competition could draw a "reaction" from Uefa.
Mauricio Pochettino's side are in a strong position to qualify for European football next season after climbing to seventh in the Premier League table.
However, qualification to Europe would require the Londoners to comply with Uefa's financial regulations next season - which are notably stricter than in the Premier League.
Uefa’s new “football earnings” system will only allow clubs to lose a maximum of £35million per season.
As revealed by Football Insider, Chelsea could struggle to comply with Uefa regulations and could receive a competition ban if they breach the rules.
Chelsea could withdraw from Europa Conference League next season
Maguire admitted that it would be a disappointment if Chelsea withdraw but explained that the Europa Conference League is not a competition that "excites the money men in football".
"It would be very disappointing if Chelsea decide not to enter into European competition next season," Maguire told Football Insider's Sean Fisher.
"We don't know what the reaction of Uefa might be - they might decide that if Chelsea do not want Uefa, then Uefa might not want them."
"So I think all considerations should be applied.
"The Europa Conference League is not a competition that excites the money men in football - the accountants will not be licking their lips.
"The proportion of revenue compared to that of the Champions League is probably only a fifth or sixth of Uefa’s senior competition.
"But from a fan's perspective, it's still the opportunity to travel and support their team and potentially win another trophy."
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