New Chelsea Euro row

Claude Makelele: doubtful for tonight's Sparta Prague clash

14 April 2012

Tony Blair has been dragged into the row over UEFA's decision to switch Chelsea's Champions League clash against Besiktas next month away from Turkey.

The game on 9 December, which was due to be played in Istanbul, is now likely to take place in Germany.

UEFA took the decision to switch the tie to a neutral venue on security grounds due to the recent bombings in Istanbul and it is up to Besiktas and the Turkish Football Association to come up with an alternative venue.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is to appeal to his British opposite number for help in overturning the UEFA ruling.

Turkey's deputy Prime Minister, Mehmet Ali Sahin, said today: "We believe it will be easier for UEFA to change its decision if Chelsea withdraw their objections. Our Prime Minister will call Tony Blair to ask for help in persuading Chelsea to back down."

If they are forced to sacrifice home advantage in Istanbul, Besiktas will want to create a partisan atmosphere for their final group game and German cities such as Berlin, Hamburg and Munich all have large Turkish populations.

Besiktas have until Friday to nominate an alternative venue and if Chelsea are unhappy with the choice of stadium then the final decision will be made by UEFA. Wherever the game is played, Chelsea will make tickets available to their travelling fans.

Stand-in chief executive Paul Smith said: "This is very good news for everyone. Good sense has prevailed."

Meanwhile, Claudio Ranieri has challenged his Chelsea team to have the same spirit and discipline as England's triumphant-World Cup rugby team. Chelsea face two vital home matches in five days. They need only a point from tonight's Champions League tie against Sparta Prague to qualify for the knockout phase, then face Manchester United in the Premiership on Sunday.

"I watched the World Cup rugby final and it was wonderful," said Ranieri. "I'd like us to achieve just five per cent of that spirit. We can learn from their organisation. The England players have great concentration and marvellous discipline. If we could bring these things to Chelsea - oh my God!"

The Chelsea manager, meanwhile, looks certain to make changes for tonight's match against Sparta Prague.

Glen Johnson is suspended following his sending off against Lazio while Juan Veron is out with a back problem.

Claude Makelele missed training with a neck injury and Ranieri said: "I want to check on him before I pick the team."

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