Chelsea given choice between Thursday night fixture or neutral venue in next round of Champions League: report

News
By published

Chelsea may have something of a logistical quandary on their hands in this season's Champions League knockouts

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 03: A general view as fans of Chelsea wave flags and display a banner reading THE FAMOUS CHELSEA prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Stamford Bridge on April 03, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Stamford Bridge under the lights (Image credit: Getty Images)

Chelsea finished in the top eight of this season's Champions League league phase, meaning the club qualify automatically for the last 16.

Two fewer fixtures is likely to help with the Blues' workload over the coming weeks which includes a Carabao Cup semi-final second leg versus Arsenal.

Chelsea may be required to play last 16 tie away from Stamford Bridge

Stamford Bridge Stadium, home to Chelsea Football Club, Chelsea, Greater London Authority, 2021. Creator: Damian Grady. (Photo by Historic England Archive/Heritage Images via Getty Images)

Chelsea's Stamford Bridge (Image credit: Getty Images)

Chelsea's sixth place league phase finish saw the team positioned below Arsenal (1st) and Tottenham Hotspur (4th) in the final standings.

As such, the two North London clubs take priority, as per UEFA rules, when it comes to the scheduling of their last 16 home ties on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 March.

A general view as players of Arsenal pose for a team photograph prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Arsenal FC and FC Kairat Almaty at Arsenal Stadium on January 28, 2026 in London, England.

Arsenal in the Champions League (Image credit: Getty Images)

UEFA rules currently prohibit more than one match being played in a single city on a given night, which poses a problem for Chelsea in the last 16.

Chelsea can appeal for special dispensation to be able to host their last 16 opposition at Stamford Bridge on the same evening as Arsenal or Spurs host theirs, although that would require approval from UEFA.

The rule is in place to ensure adequate policing can be provided at European fixtures, which can see an influx of supporters travelling from abroad who would not usually be in the city on another day.

London typically hosts several football matches each weekend with the Metropolitan Police seemingly handling the vast number of supporters attending the respective fixtures. Therefore, it is likely Chelsea will make this case to UEFA.

If European football's governing body are not satisfied with Chelsea's plea, the club may be given the choice to play their last 16 home fixture on Thursday, March 19, or play at a different stadium elsewhere, effectively forfeiting their home advantage.

Liam Rosenior

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior in training (Image credit: Getty Images)

The Blues will discover who their opponents are once the knockout stage play-offs have concluded, contested between teams who finished between 9th and 24th in the league phase standings.

Last 16 fixtures are scheduled to be played the week commencing March 16, 2026.

Joe Donnohue
Joe Donnohue
Senior Digital Writer

Joe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.