Uefa made a series of changes to the format of its European club competitions from the start of this season.
From kick-off time changes to teams permitted to have 12 substitutes should they reach the final of either of UEFA’s showpiece competitions as well as gaining automatic entry into the Champions League, changes have been aplenty.
But arguably the biggest overhaul is the one that involves player registration.
It has now been confirmed that up to three January signings will be allowed to play for their new clubs during the knockout stages of the the Champions League and Europa League, without restrictions.
That means that players will be able to represent two different clubs in the same competition this season and going forward.
This would have been helpful for Arsenal and Barcelona last term as they weren’t able to field January signings Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Philippe Coutinho in their respective competitions after Christmas.
The Europa League Trophy (Image: Valery HACHE / AFP)
Now this particular rule is a thing of the past and Chelsea could be affected by it this month.
Speculation linking Gonzalo Higuain with a move to the Stamford Bridge was fuelled following comments made by Juventus vice-president Pavel Nedved and he wouldn’t be ineligible for the Blues in the Europa League should a transfer occur before deadline day.
The Argentine striker made five appearances for Milan in the group phase, scoring twice but wasn’t able to guide them into the knockout phase as they finished behind Real Betis and Olympiacos.
Previously Higuain would have been cup-tied having featured for the Rossoneri, but under the rule change he will be able to represent Chelsea in their round of 32 clash with Malmo next month.
Chelsea’s transfer plans for January
With the January transfer window in full swing, football.london want to hear from Chelsea fans on the business they want to see from the club in the first month of 2019 and their view on the season so far under Maurizio Sarri.
Take part by completing our survey below or click here if you cannot see the form.
Keep up to date with the latest news, features and exclusives from football.london via the free football.london app for iPhone and Android.
Available to download from the App Store and Google Play.
Be the first to comment