Chelsea in hot water as PFA push for 'bomb squads' to be outlawed after Blues banish Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell and others from first-team training

In recent transfer windows, the exclusion of certain players from first-team activities has become increasingly common, with one senior source at the PFA labelling the practice as "unacceptable." While multiple clubs have employed this strategy, Chelsea have come under particular scrutiny this summer after they prevented a host of players including 13 players, among them high-profile names like Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, and Romelu Lukaku. Others in this group include Trevoh Chalobah, Armando Broja, Kepa Arrizabalaga, David Datro Fofana, Angelo, Lucas Bergstrom, Deivid Washington, Tino Anjorin, Alex Matos, and Harvey Vale.

According to the Daily Mail,the PFA is engaging in discussions with both the Premier League and FIFA to address and eliminate this controversial tactic. They are also believed to have reached out to players at Chelsea and other clubs to offer support and advice to those affected by these exclusionary practices. The union has been campaigning behind the scenes for several years to tackle the issue, which they believe should not be allowed to persist.

Vagueness in the Premier League Handbook has further complicated the issue. The document, which outlines the duties and obligations of players, states that footballers must "attend at any reasonable place for the purposes of and to participate in training and match preparation." However, the lack of specificity regarding the conditions under which players can be excluded from first-team training has allowed clubs to exploit this ambiguity.

FIFA, the sport's global governing body, is also involved in the matter, as the Premier League considers this an area under FIFA’s jurisdiction. FIFA has previously updated its regulations on the "status and transfer of players" to address "abusive conduct" by clubs. However, there is frustration within the PFA that, despite these updates, the practice of bomb squads continues to be widespread.

Chelsea, on their part, argues that they have handled the situation appropriately. Instead of relegating excluded players to train with youth squads, the club has created a separate training group for these players, managed by loan technical coach Carlo Cudicini. The club believes this approach allows the players to concentrate on securing moves away from Chelsea while avoiding false expectations of rejoining the first team under Maresca.

It is clear that the PFA’s efforts to eradicate bomb squads are gaining momentum. Whether through changes in the Premier League Handbook or stronger enforcement of FIFA regulations the union is determined to ensure that such practices are no longer tolerated. The outcome of these efforts could have significant implications for player treatment and rights within professional football.