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 haven’t 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. ItÂ’s 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.
