Robben predicts Chelsea departures

06 September 2009 17:38
Former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben believes some of the club's current stars could quit the club due to the FIFA transfer ban, resulting in "disaster" for the Blues. The governing body imposed a 16-month embargo on the Blues after finding them guilty of inducing French teenager Gael Kakuta of breaking his contract with Lens, and Robben - who left Stamford Bridge for Real Madrid and now plays for Bayern Munich - believes the issue could spark an exodus of top players if Chelsea's prospects are hindered by the ruling. "It would not shock me if players left," he told the Daily Mirror. "Players like John Terry and Frank Lampard love the club and they will probably stay. But I think players who have no long-term relationship with the club may leave." He added: "The top clubs in Europe will be looking at Chelsea players now, and if they want to leave there is not a lot the club can do to stop them. "For one of Europe's super powers not to be able to sign a player for two years would be a disaster." The Dutchman also suggested that FIFA were right to investigate the recruitment practices of big clubs. "I don't know if they are guilty but if they are I agree with FIFA," he said. "Big clubs think they are above the rules. "In football there are lot of people trying to take advantage of you when you are a young boy and it is important the authorities do all they can to help protect them."

Source: Eurosport