According to The Times, an administration error by Chelsea has
meant that the club were too slow to react to new UEFA rule which
focuses on player registration, meaning Ballack was left out of the
side.
Under the new laws a club must include at least six players that
are locally trained which includes three association-trained
players and three club-trained players.
Chelsea havent struggled to find association-trained players
those being the likes of Joe Cole and Frank Lampard who are
affiliated to the domestic national association. The problem arises
when they try to field club-trained players who have to have been
with the club for three years between the ages of 15 and 21, only
John Terry fitting that bill.
The rules have changes from last year where two of each would be
fine. Its three now and it will be four next year.
Reports suggest that Chelsea had missed this change and therefore
lose two squad places for the competition and were, as a
consequence only allowed to pick 23 in total.
According to speculation manager Jose Mourinho and Ballack have not
enjoyed the best relationship since April, when the midfielder had
the operation without clearing it with the club.
