EPL: PFA to intervene as Maresca excludes 13 Chelsea players in ‘bomb squad’

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) is closely monitoring the practice of isolating players, known as ‘bomb squads,’ used by clubs to push players out, according to Sky Sports News.

This practice involves barring players from the main group when they are no longer needed. For instance, Chelsea has instructed Raheem Sterling, Trevoh Chalobah, and Ben Chilwell to train separately after manager Enzo Maresca deemed them surplus to requirements. A total of 13 players have reportedly been excluded from Maresca’s squad.

FIFA guidance has been communicated to all clubs, and the PFA is actively observing the situation. FIFA has protections in place for both clubs and players. In its 2022 statutes, FIFA grants its council the authority to regulate player status, transfers, and related matters, including the encouragement of player development and team protections.

The primary regulations governing player treatment are based on employment law, not specific league rules.