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Chelsea's Enzo Maresca Criticizes Fixture Disparity Ahead of Conference League Final

Maresca calls out scheduling inequity as Real Betis gets two extra days of rest before the May 28 final in Wroclaw.

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Soccer Football - Premier League - Aston Villa v Chelsea - Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain - February 22, 2025 Chelsea's Filip Jorgensen reacts Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith/File Photo
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Overview

  • Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has voiced frustration over Real Betis receiving 48 hours more preparation time for the UEFA Conference League final due to La Liga rescheduling their last domestic match to Friday.
  • The Premier League's rule mandating simultaneous final-day fixtures prevents Chelsea from moving their Sunday match against Nottingham Forest, which is crucial for their Champions League qualification hopes.
  • Maresca has urged UEFA to establish regulations to prevent such scheduling advantages in future European competitions, though UEFA currently lacks authority over domestic league calendars.
  • Chelsea's reserve goalkeeper Filip Jørgensen, who has played throughout the Conference League campaign, has been confirmed as the starter for the final, as Maresca emphasized fairness in his selection.
  • Real Betis, already assured of sixth place in La Liga, has no stakes in their final domestic match, contrasting with Chelsea's high-pressure situation in their Premier League finale.