Chelsea suspend Enzo Fernandez for two matches over Madrid move comments
Chelsea FC have handed midfielder Enzo Fernandez a two-match ban following comments suggesting a possible move to clubs in Madrid. Manager Liam Rosenior confirmed the decision during a press conference
- By Samuel Oamen
Chelsea FC have handed midfielder Enzo Fernandez a two-match ban following comments suggesting a possible move to clubs in Madrid.
Manager Liam Rosenior confirmed the decision during a press conference on Friday, stating that the sanction was jointly agreed by the club after the player’s remarks during the international break sparked controversy.
Fernandez drew attention after openly expressing interest in joining either of Madrid’s top sides and criticising Chelsea’s decision to part ways with former manager Enzo Maresca. The Argentine international had praised Maresca for giving the team a clear identity, adding that his exit negatively affected the squad’s performances.
Rosenior said the midfielder will miss Chelsea’s FA Cup clash with Port Vale and a key Premier League fixture against Manchester City.
“I spoke with Enzo an hour ago. As a football club, and with me as part of that process, we’ve made a decision: he won’t be available for tomorrow’s game, and he won’t be available for Manchester City next Sunday,” he said.
He added that the club acted to uphold its standards, noting that “a line was crossed” in terms of culture and expectations.
Despite the disciplinary action, Rosenior maintained that Fernandez remains part of the club’s plans.
“The door is not closed on Enzo. That’s very important. It’s a sanction because at this football club, which is a winning football club with traditions of success, you have to protect that culture,” he said.
Fernandez, who joined Chelsea in 2023 for a British-record £106.8 million fee, has made 161 appearances for the club. This season, he has featured 46 times, scoring 12 goals and providing six assists.
