Deep Impact: Chelsea's Transfer Blockade

Armageddon it isn't but FIFA's ruling against Chelsea could leave an irrevocable crater in the future of the London club and the footballing world.

(I imagined Morgan Freeman, the President in the movie, voicing the following lines in his unmatchable stoic and mature style, rather than my furious and juvenile writing style)

The Impact:

1 - The new man in charge at the Bridge, Carlo Ancelotti, has yet to make a significant signing. All managers like to bring in new players and attempt to mould the squad in their image and, while no deals to this end were made in the summer (Zhirkov's addition was approved by Hiddink and Abramovic), the January window and particularly next summer would have been targeted as busy periods in remodelling the side.

2 - Chelsea will lose integral players Essien, Mikel, Drogba and Kalou for the African Nation's Cup without the possibility of replacement.

3 - The Blues have eight players in their squad over 30. Lampard, Carvalho, Ballack, Deco and Drogba will all be over the age of 32 by the time Chelsea can invest in potential substitutes for players at the core of the Abramovich era. John Terry, with all the the wear and tear on his body, will be an 'old' 30 while Ashley Cole, Malouda, Ferreira and Anelka will also be in their fourth decade.

4 - It is hard to imagine that the likes of Franco di Santo, Scott Sinclair, Michael Mancienne, Miroslav Stoch or Slobodan Rajkovic (all currently out on loan) will be able to help ease the pain and contribute, should they be recalled.

5 - What if Chelsea wanted to sell a player to maximise his value? Simply, due to being unable to replenish the squad, they can't.

6 - It would be a misnomer to suggest that this team is as active and extravagant in the transfer market as it used to be. Zhirkov was added for £18m this offseason but the likes of Claudio Pizarro and Ben Sahar were allowed to leave, recouping around £8m. Last year, Chelsea spent £16m on Jose Bosingwa and also added Deco on a free transfer but offloaded Boulharouz, Sidwell and Ben Haim for almost as much and then sold Wayne Bridge to Man City for £14m in January. Squad turnover is a part of the modern game and for all the strength of the group assembled currently, injury, loss of form or a change in coaching philosophy can not be supplemented with new players. In addition, Abramovich is unlikely to sanction a wave of spending once their personal window reopens.

7 - Chelsea have been fined, Kakuta suspended for 4 months. The least of their problems.

8 - The scouting department and front office will be on a tight rope regarding future deals. Can they be as aggressive in going after talent in the future? What would be the next sanction if they were judged guilty again?

9 - This indictment is a serious charge against the morals and appeal of the club. How will this affect sponsorship and their position in the global game?

10 - Perhaps most importantly, how does this affect the game in the long run? What kind of punishments will be levied in the future for similar acts? FIFA need to develop a strategy against the poaching of the world's best young talent and, while this may be the first step, there are limited provisions and set-out rules regarding such offenses. Why not stop all transfers of players that have yet to sign a professional contract? How about a structured tribunal system relating to International caps and competitions played in to reimburse the selling clubs? How about treating everyone in the same manner? Everyone, even the casual fan, knows that this is an endemic part of the modern game and has been rife for years and, not to claim that Chelsea shouldn't be penalised, but shouldn't these punishments be universally matched? Ma Utd, Milan, Real Madrid...your time might be nigh.

Ah well, Chelsea will probably appeal, get a three month ban (ending December 31st), a slap on the wrist and 20 minutes in the corner.