UEFA have today confirmed that disciplinary proceedings have been instigated against Chelsea after the alleged racist behaviour in the Europa League match with MOL Vidi.
The allegations are directed towards away supporters at the Groupama Arena during the 1-1 draw back in December, when alleged anti-Semitic chants were sung by some Blues fans.
The Uefa statement read: “Based on the report submitted by the Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector commissioned to conduct an investigation – according to Article 31 (4) of the Uefa Disciplinary Regulations (DR) – in relation to the alleged racist incidents that occurred at the aforementioned match, Uefa has announced that disciplinary proceedings have been instigated against Chelsea FC in accordance with the Article 55 of the DR.
"The Uefa Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body will deal with this case on the occasion of its next meeting on 28 February 2019.”
So the Blues could face some disciplinary action against them should they be found guilty on February 28, but what sanctions could they face?
When contacted by football.london, UEFA were not willing to discuss the case itself, however Article 6 of their Disciplinary Regulations show the sanctions that could be imposed, below.
However, The body’s regulations also state in Article 14: "If one or more of a member association or club’s supporters engage in the behaviour that insults the human dignity of a person or group of persons on whatever grounds, including skin colour, race, religion or ethnic origin the member association or club responsible is punished with a minimum of a partial stadium closure."
That would be imposed on the Blues on their next home UEFA match after the hearing. That means that, if found guilty, the partial stadium closure would not come into effect for the last 32 second leg tie against Malmo taking place on February 21.
If the Blues come through that tie, then it could well be imposed for their next home game in the Europa League.
As it is a first offence, it is unlikely that the Blues will be slapped with a full stadium closure for one of the matches, but that could be imposed should the offence happen again.
However, it does add: "If the circumstances of the case require it, the competent disciplinary body may impose additional disciplinary measures on the member association or club responsible, such as the playing of one or more matches behind closed doors, a stadium closure, the forfeiting of a match, the deduction of points and/or disqualification from the competition."
Chelsea are yet to comment on the decision by UEFA.
