Chelsea FC have handed midfielder Enzo Fernandez a two-match suspension following controversial comments hinting at a potential move to clubs in Madrid.
Head coach Liam Rosenior confirmed the disciplinary action during a press conference on Friday, stating that the decision was mutually agreed upon by the club after the player’s remarks during the international break stirred backlash.
Fernandez had drawn criticism after openly expressing interest in joining either Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid.
He also questioned Chelsea’s decision to part ways with former manager Enzo Maresca, praising the Italian for instilling a clear identity in the team and suggesting his departure negatively impacted performances.
Rosenior revealed that the Argentine international will miss Chelsea’s FA Cup tie against Port Vale as well as a crucial Premier League clash with 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,” Rosenior said.
He emphasised that the sanction was necessary to uphold the club’s standards, adding that “a line was crossed” regarding internal culture and expectations.
Despite the punishment, Rosenior insisted that Fernandez remains an integral part of Chelsea’s long-term 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 added.
Fernandez, who joined Chelsea in 2023 for a British-record fee, has made over 160 appearances for the club. This season, he has featured 46 times, scoring 12 goals and registering six assists.