Christophe Galtier allays Chelsea concerns over Champions League qualification
Christophe Galtier allays Chelsea concerns over Champions League qualification
Speaking to France Bleu via GFFN (h/t Football London), Nice boss Christophe Galtier allayed Chelsea’s concerns over their participation in the UEFA Champions League next season.
The Blues are currently third in the Premier League and should qualify for Europe’s top competition with minimal hassle. However, despite the qualifications, their ability to participate was called into question thanks to the ensuing ownership saga.
That could be the case if Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s bid to buy the west London club proves successful. It also owns Ligue 1 side OGC Nice, who are also in the running for Champions League qualification.
According to UEFA regulations, Chelsea and Nice could not both play in the Champions League in the same season if they belong to the same owner. That will prove to be the case if Sir Ratcliffe’s side win the tender for the Blues.
Nice boss Galtier tried to allay concerns, however, and assured Chelsea fans that it wouldn’t be a problem. He also seemed to imply that the growth of one club has little to do with the other and that Sir Ratcliffe has the wherewithal to manage both clubs.
“I know that this does not at all call into question Ineos’ desire to grow Nice. Jim has the means to buy Chelsea, good for him. I sent him a message.
Galtier’s words aren’t really directed at the elephant in the room and it remains to be seen what will happen if Sir Ratcliffe wins the auction. Nice are currently two points off third place in Ligue 1 with three games to go. Hopefully they miss a lot to our advantage.
Chelsea’s qualifying work is also far from done. Although they retain third place, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are blowing our necks. Thomas Tuchel should address the Blues’ recent dip in form if he is serious about retaining his place at the top of European football.
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The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Nadine Dorrie, has informed the club that it is on borrowed time and will have to speed up its sale. Others in contention for the club are consortia led by Todd Boehly, Stephen Pagliuca and Sir Martin Broughton.