Blues seeing Blue?

Last week, FIFA places a one year transfer ban on Chelsea for acquiring French youth international star Gael Kakuta two years ago. Allegedly, Chelsea encouraged Kakuta to break his contract with then French club Lens. In addition, Chelsea has also been charged by FIFA for violating rules pertaining to acquiring youth players.

In response to FIFA's attack on the current Premier League leader, many other English clubs have come under attack including Manchester United, Manchester City, and Arsenal. I am assuming allocations will also be presented for Spanish club Real Madrid after their summer long spending spree to get many of the top names in the sport. Chelsea is appealing the harsh penalty that FIFA has issued, and like many people, I believe the ban will be lifted. But then again, everyone has their own opinion. FIFA and Chelsea have clashed heads many times in the last few years, the most notable incident happened in last season's UEFA Champions League. Drogba, Ballack, and Belletti were all fined and suspended for outbursts during the semi-finals match against Barca. Like many reporters, I believe that FIFA is still trying to make an example out of the London team.

Yet, if Chelsea is unable to secure a reduced punishment, it may be a long year for the club. The Blues have an aging line up which include 8 players that are over the age of 30 (Belletti, Ferreira, Carvalho, Deco, Ballack, Lampard, Anelka, Drogba). Chelsea will need to find replacements or substitutes for many of these players in the next couple of years. With the year transfer ban, Chelsea will not be able to find replacements for these players for the next 2 yeras (this season plus the next). By then, most of those players may be thinking about retirement...especially with the World Cup coming up this summer.

However, things might not be so bleak yet. Currently, Chelsea is holding their own in the Premier League, and is a dominating force. Their line up is strong and they have much more depth this season than last. In addition, many of their youth squad is receiving Premier League experience via loan spells (Michael Mancienne to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Scott Sinclair to Wigan Athletic, and Franco Di Santo to Blackburn Rovers), not to mention the numerous other loans to the Championship League. If there is a mass exit like Former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben believes there will be if FIFA holds firm on the ban, there will be many opportunities for Chelsea's youth system. This can only help the Blues, even if they are not as competitive.

Win, lose, or draw in the courtroom, you can bet that the Blues will bounce back and will be more ferocious than ever before.