Chelsea hoping Kezman free to face United
Chelsea are confident Mateja Kezman will be free to face Manchester United in the big Premiership kick-off on 15 August.
The Serbian striker was suspended from last night's ChampionsWorld Series defeat to AC Milan following his sending-off against Roma last week, but hopes to return in Sunday's Gianfranco Zola tribute match against Real Zaragoza at Stamford Bridge.
Under normal circumstances Kezman would face a three-match ban for his part in a brawl with Olivier Dacourt but Chelsea are confident that a new FIFA ruling will come to their aid.
FIFA Article 39 states that any player sent off will serve his suspension immediately but it will only last for the remainder of the competition, leaving Kezman free to start Chelsea's Premiership campaign. The US Soccer Federation have passed on details of Kezman's sending-off to the Football Association but Chelsea believe they have misunderstood the new regulations.
Head coach Jose Mourinho said: "I am sure he will be available to play in the Zola tribute match and in the first match of the season. It's very clear under FIFA article 39 that his suspension starts immediately and is only for the remainder of the competition. That's the end of it."
Kezman added: "I'm not sure if I'll be in the team but I should be available against United."