CHELSEA PLAYERS BANNED AFTER CLUB ISSUES RULE UPDATE

Chelsea have taken the decision of banning some of their players from signing autographs and taking photos with fans branding it “no longer safe or sustainable” bringing the WSL side, in line with the Premier League rules. 

The change was announced on the club’s official website citing that the rise in popularity in the women’s game as the reason for the change. Chelsea’s women’s team currently play at Kingsmeadow, a 2265 seated (4850 standing) capacity stadium that used to be home to AFC Wimbledon from 2002 to 2020. The ground is only small, with access and car parking facilities not as secure as many of the stadiums in the top flight of the men’s game, meaning that access for supporters has always been easier.

Fans had been known to wait pre and post-game for a chance at a signature or a photograph as the players head into or out of the stadium to their cars. But now that will no longer be possible with the rise in numbers of those attending.

What’s been said?

On the club’s official website, they released the following statement:

 

“Chelsea Women return to Kingsmeadow this weekend for their final pre-season game ahead of the new campaign. With many matches to follow at our main home stadium, we wish to make our supporters aware of alterations to player access for the 2024/25 season and beyond.”

“The rise in popularity of the women’s game and growth and success of Chelsea Women are causes for celebration but they come with new challenges, and it is no longer safe or sustainable for the players to sign autographs or have selfie photos taken with fans in an uncontrolled way. To balance this up, the club will be staging organised opportunities to meet and greet the Blues stars.”

“There were occasions last season that led to concerns about the safety and security of both supporters and players, largely due to the rising numbers who are seeking signatures and selfies before and after games.”

“As a result, players will no longer be able to stop for autographs etc. outside of Kingsmeadow Stadium pre- or post-match. The car parks and roads around the stadium are public land and therefore stewarding has a limited effect there. Preventing overcrowding and ensuring traffic safety are of paramount importance.”

“In addition, an increased risk of crowding at the front of the stands at Kingsmeadow and the blocking of exits, as well as the need for the players to adhere to elite-level recovery plans after matches, means autographs and photos will not be possible inside the stadium following the final whistle.”

“Our players love the chance to interact safely with the fans who give them such great support game after game, so look out this season for announcements on an increased number of events for match-going fans. Signing sessions will be included in the range events and season ticket holders and Stamford Bridge Match Package holders will also have priority opportunities to attend.”

“Chelsea Football Club’s Fan Advisory Board* and the Chelsea Women Supporters Group have reviewed these developments and given their support in light of the safety and security implications.”

“The Kingsmeadow changes will be in place on Saturday when Chelsea Women host Feyenoord for a midday kick-off. It is Sonia Bompastor’s first home game in charge, there are new players in the squad, and tickets are available”

Is the change from Chelsea necessary?

Unfortunately, with the rise in popularity of the women’s game comes increase risks in terms of security and safety. Whilst in years gone by those who have followed the women’s side of the game may have had easy access to some of their favourite players it will no longer be as simple.

As a club Chelsea have to prioritise the welfare of their players as they have a duty of care, if a player were to get injured or issues occur outside of the stadium it would be difficult to resolve the situation with the rising numbers and stewarding levels required to maintain that interaction.

It is good to see that the club are mindful of how this would be disappointing to those fans who had been hoping to get a signature and have acted by indicating an increase in the number of signing events.

2024-09-06T23:46:04Z dg43tfdfdgfd