Editor's Note: How Chelsea fc has gone from Better to worst under new ownership

CHELSEA SUPPORTERS’ TRUST CALLS FOR URGENT CHANGE AS NEW OWNERS DRIVE CLUB BACKWARDS FROM ABRAMOVICH GLORY DAYS TO UNPRECEDENTED INSTABILITY AND FINANCIAL CHAOS  

The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust today issues this statement highlighting the stark regression at Chelsea Football Club since the forced sale of the club by Roman Abramovich in 2022. What was once a model of sustained success and competitive dominance has, under the stewardship of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, become a cautionary tale of short-term chaos, record financial losses, and declining on-pitch standards.*

When Roman Abramovich acquired Chelsea in 2003, he transformed a club that had never won the Premier League into one of Europe’s elite powerhouses. Over 19 years, the club secured five Premier League titles, two UEFA Champions League crowns, two Europa League trophies, five FA Cups, and a total of 21 major honours. Chelsea were consistent Champions League qualifiers, perennial title challengers, and a beacon of stability and ambition. Abramovich’s era, despite its controversies, delivered unmatched success on the pitch and built a global fanbase that still cherishes those golden years.  

In March 2022, geopolitical events forced Abramovich to sell the club under urgent sanctions. The £4.25 billion takeover by a consortium led by Todd Boehly, with Clearlake Capital holding the majority 60% stake, was completed on 30 May 2022. The new owners promised a “clear vision” to make fans proud, invest in the squad and infrastructure, and deliver sustained success through modern, data-driven methods. They committed an additional £1.75 billion in funding.  

Nearly four years later, the reality could not be more different. Chelsea have gone from better to worst in almost every measurable way:  

- **On-pitch decline**: The club’s worst Premier League finish in decades came in the first full season under the new owners (12th place, 44 points – the lowest tally since 1987-88). Subsequent seasons have seen inconsistent mid-table battles rather than title challenges. As of April 2026, with 32 Premier League games played in the 2025-26 season, Chelsea sit 6th with 48 points – far from the consistent top-four contention of the Abramovich era. Multiple high-profile managerial changes (including the sackings of Graham Potter and others) have created upheaval, with no Premier League title or Champions League glory to show. While the club has secured minor European silverware – including the UEFA Conference League and the 2025 Club World Cup – these pale in comparison to the sustained excellence fans once took for granted.  

- **Reckless spending without results**: The new regime has overseen the highest net transfer spend in Premier League history – exceeding £950 million since 2022/23, far outstripping any rival club. Over £1.2 billion has been committed to player acquisitions, often targeting young, unproven talent at inflated prices. Yet this “project” has delivered a bloated, unbalanced squad plagued by poor integration, injuries, and underperformance.  

- **Financial catastrophe**: Chelsea have posted record-breaking losses. The 2024/25 accounts revealed a pre-tax loss of £262.4 million – the largest in Premier League history. The parent company BlueCo 22 reported £630 million in losses for the same period, pushing accumulated losses since the takeover beyond £1.5 billion (approximately £10.4 million per week). Commercial revenue has declined, the wage bill remains among Europe’s highest, and the club requires ongoing equity injections from owners just to remain solvent. Despite modest increases in overall revenue, the club’s enterprise value has risen only marginally while the on-pitch product has deteriorated.  

Fans have repeatedly voiced their frustration. Protests outside Stamford Bridge have become regular occurrences, with supporters condemning the ownership’s American private-equity approach – described by critics, including former club staff, as treating Chelsea like a “financial experiment by a hedge fund.” Boehly has publicly dismissed criticism as “par for the course,” but the growing discontent reflects a club that feels adrift from its proud traditions.  

A spokesperson for the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust said:  

> “Roman Abramovich left a legacy of trophies, pride, and competitive excellence. Under Boehly and Clearlake, we have witnessed the opposite: chaos in the boardroom, panic in the transfer market, and a slide down the league table. Billions spent, managers discarded, and record losses posted – yet the club is further from sustained success than at any point in the last two decades. This is not progress; it is regression. The owners promised to build for the future, but they have dismantled the present. Fans deserve better. We demand transparency, accountability, and a return to the standards that made Chelsea great.”  

The Trust urges the ownership to engage meaningfully with supporters, reconsider the scattergun recruitment strategy, stabilise the squad, and prioritise on-pitch results over financial engineering. Without urgent course correction, Chelsea risks becoming a permanent fixture in the Premier League’s chasing pack rather than its elite.  

The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust remains committed to representing the voice of the fans who have supported the club through thick and thin. We will continue to hold the owners to account until Chelsea returns to the path of glory it once walked so proudly.  

Scott challenged the repeated emphasis on long-term development at the expense of immediate competitiveness

DAN SCOTT ISSUES STATEMENT ON CHELSEA FC’S CURRENT DIRECTION AND “BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE” NARRATIVE

Dan Scott, a prominent voice among Chelsea Football Club supporters and long-time season ticket holder, today issued a strongly worded critique of the club’s ongoing squad-building strategy and communication under its current ownership.

In his statement, Scott challenged the repeated emphasis on long-term development at the expense of immediate competitiveness, highlighting what he sees as a clear imbalance compared to the successful approach of the club’s previous era.

“We’re building for the future’ is often used to mislead many Chelsea fans,” Scott said. “There is no real future if the present isn’t competitive. The current situation demands a team capable of competing now, so that those ‘players for the future’ actually have a platform to develop.”

Scott drew a direct comparison with the Abramovich era, noting that while young talents were regularly signed during those years, the narrative around long-term potential was far less dominant because the club consistently paired them with experienced, elite players.

“In the Abramovich era, Chelsea also signed young players with long-term potential, but you barely heard that narrative because experienced, elite players were added alongside them. There was balance,” he continued. “Now, the message is always about the future while salaries are being reduced and standards are dropping. When performances dip, players are expected to take wage cuts because of decisions made above them. Fans can see through it—we understand exactly what’s going on.”

Scott’s comments reflect growing supporter concern over on-pitch results, squad composition, and the club’s financial approach following the 2022 ownership change. He stressed that sustainable success requires both immediate competitiveness and sensible long-term planning, rather than using the “future” as a shield for current shortcomings.

The statement has already resonated with sections of the Chelsea fanbase on social media and supporter forums, where frustration over recent seasons and squad management continues to build.

Alejandro Garnacho on family, special moments and London life

Two-and-half years ago, Alejandro Garnacho’s perspective on life changed forever. For it was then that his son Enzo was born. As somebody who had always benefitted from the love and devotion of his family, now Garnacho had the opportunity to nurture a young boy of his own and create shared memories that will never be forgotten. It is a responsibility he relishes. ‘Being a dad is incredible,’ says our winger. ‘It changes your life completely. My son is the main thing, and I always try to do my best to be a good father with him. I'm really, really happy to have my boy. ‘He’s always smiling. It’s really good to have this type of personality in a baby. I think he loves me a lot – he always wants to play football with me. He wants to be a footballer! He's always there with me. So it's important for me and I'm really, really proud to be there.’ Last summer, when Garnacho stepped inside Stamford Bridge for the first time as a Chelsea player, Enzo was one of several members of the Garnacho family in tow.

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‘He was smiling everywhere and to have pictures of me and him, both in the Chelsea kit, these are the special moments in life,’ Garnacho enthuses. The 21-year-old’s own growth as a player and a person was shaped by his parents’ dedication and affection. Garnacho was only 16 when he moved from Atletico Madrid to Manchester United. It was a huge undertaking, and proof of the kind of obstacles any young player must overcome. Additionally, he has suffered from outsiders’ preconceptions of his character. But through it all, the Argentina international has benefitted from the backing of those closest to him. ‘People just see the player you are, but after this, there is a person,’ Garnacho says. ‘A lot of people think things about me that maybe are not this way, but it’s because they don’t know me.I know my family and the people around me love me. That’s the most important thing. ‘My family are a very big part of who I am. My dad, for example, when I was young, like five, six, he was taking me in the car to every training session, every game. He was always there. It is because of him that I am here now. So I'm really happy and proud to have a family like this.’ Garnacho lives near our Cobham training base and says he enjoys a normal, quiet life in the Surrey countryside. He occasionally heads into London for a dinner or to go shopping, but mostly his focus is on training – and, of course, his son. ‘I wake up, come to the training ground for breakfast and then start training,’ he explains. ‘After training, you can have gym, for example, or you have to do some treatment. Then I go home, and I’m with my son for the rest of the day. ‘I try to sleep a little bit, I like to watch films and TV shows, then have dinner, and sleep again. It’s a routine, but I like this type of lifestyle because it’s calm. I’m a really calm guy. Life here is normal, and I’m happy.’

Goncalo Inacio has been linked with a move to Chelsea in recent months.

 The 24-year-old Portuguese defender has done quite well for club and country, and multiple clubs are monitoring his situation. According to Edu Burgos, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United are interested in signing the Sporting CP defender.

He has consistently shown his quality in Portuguese football, and the opportunity to move to England could be exciting. It could be the ideal next step in his career.

Burgos wrote on X: “Gonçalo Inácio awakens interest from the big clubs.

“His great season at Sporting, especially in the Champions League, has drawn attention in England (Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United) and Spain.

“His release clause amounts to 60M€, but it’s negotiable.”

Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile have been linked with moves away from Chelsea at the end of the season, and Chelsea will need to replace both players. Chelsea have looked vulnerable at the back of this season, and they need to improve in that area of the pitch. Signing the Portuguese International would be a wise decision.

Cole Palmer wanted by Arsenal

 Journalist Simon Phillips has stated that Palmer is another player who is eyeing up an exit from the club amid their toils, however is worried that the Blues will price him out of a potential transfer.

He also stated on his Substack that Arsenal have registered interest in signing the England international, potentially as a replacement for former Blue Kai Havertz.

He said: “Enzo Fernandez, Marc Cucurella, and Cole Palmer have all been seriously eyeing the exit door. However, the likes of Palmer is concerned that the club will price him out of any move away this summer.

“On Palmer, another top source has told us yesterday that Arsenal are the latest club to have registered an interest in signing the England international. From a personal point of view, I can’t see him staying in London if he does leave Chelsea, because he has been quite home sick at times.

“Although, he might not have too many choices on where he does go, if he really does want out of the club. Palmer has not been causing any issues though and has continued to work hard and stay committed.

“Arsenal are planning to sell Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Ethan Nwaneri, and Mikel Merino this summer, and they want a ‘superstar No.10’ in the replace them. Palmer is on their list.”

No one has been illusioned by the opinion that Palmer has been anywhere near his best this season, despite the fact he has nine goals to his name.

Liam Rosenior has put plans in place to get the best out of Palmer, and he will need them to succeed as Chelsea continue to slide away from the top five places in the league.

The best way to convince the big name players that they should remain at Stamford Bridge is by regularly challenging for titles, however they are a long way away from this prospect right now.

There is going to be pressure on the sporting directors to deliver a squad capable of taking those steps next season, before a number of big names consider a future elsewhere.

Chelsea interested in Junior Kroupi

 The Englishman has just one Premier League goal to his name since joining the club, nine less this season than Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi has managed.

The youngster has impressed greatly since his move to England, and now Chelsea have seemingly taken note of his abilities.

According to the Mail Online, Chelsea are one of the Premier League giants interested in a move for Kroupi, alongside Manchester United and Liverpool.

The Frenchman was on target at the weekend to pile more misery onto Arsenal, in a game where fellow transfer target Alex Scott found the net too.

Despite it being his first season playing regularly in the Premier League, the forward has not taken long at all to hit the ground running too.

Kroupi has become the first teenager since the turn of the century to score 10+ goals in a league season, with a number of games still to go.

The player’s age perfectly suits the kind of signing Chelsea want to make. He is just 19 years of age and showing immense promise.

The Blues can be expected to have to pay big money for Kroupi if they are looking to get the deal over the line, an opportunity that may not be there if they do not qualify for the Champions League.

Josh Acheampong ‘very frustrated’ at Chelsea

 Journalist Simon Phillips has stated that Acheampong is one of the unhappy players at Stamford Bridge right now, and has been frustrated since a loan move away in January was blocked.

He said on his Substack: “Another player who is unhappy at Chelsea is Josh Acheampong. He’s become very frustrated with his lack of game time and even more frustrated that he was blocked from leaving on loan in January to get more playing time. He was keen to join an unnamed Championship club in the winter window but Chelsea blocked it.”

At a time where Chelsea are being strongly linked with a move for a new centre-back at the end of the season, they are in danger of throwing away a seriously talented player who is already at their disposal.

There are a number of top sides who are monitoring the defender’s situation to see as to whether a deal could be done with the Blues.

Bayern Munich have been strongly linked with Acheampong, as well as Manchester City and Real Madrid on occasion.

Chelsea are adamant they do not want to sell the promising young star, however are going to need to soon show him a genuine pathway to regular minutes.

Rio Ngumoha already made the call to leave West London to grasp opportunities elsewhere. Chelsea do not want the same to happen with Acheampong.

Pedro Neto put up a show against Manchester City

 

John Obi Mikel says Chelsea owners know they made a mistake by sacking Enzo Maresca

Chelsea have been keen to internally blame Maresca for their current struggles, although Mikel told the ‘Obi One Podcast‘ that he believes Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali will regret the decision to part ways on New Year’s Day.

He said: “First of all, when the decision to get rid of Enzo Maresca, I said it here first, that it was a big, big mistake from the football club to make that decision, from the owners, from the sporting directors to make that decision. Getting rid of a manager that I think, that I saw us progressing. You know, there was some sort of, you know, us moving in the right direction, the way we played, the philosophy in which we play football and approach game as well, especially the big games, you know, where I thought we always competed against the big teams.

“And then when the whole thing, the decision, get rid of Enzo Maresca happened, I came on here and I said it, it’s a huge, huge mistake. You can’t get rid of a manager that’s won us two titles. One has the Club World Cup and of course the Conference League.

“I said it was a wrong ground decision to get rid of him. Some of the Chelsea fans were like, no, no, no, no. I think it’s time for him to go. He doesn’t, his substitutions were not good, blah, blah, blah.

“I said, we have to stick with him. And the truth has come out that sometimes when he made the decisions because his hands were tied, there’s people sitting on top of the stands there saying, oh, you need to get rid of, you need to bring Cole Palmer out, you need to make changes, you need to do this, do that. So we didn’t know the full story.

“But then when he got sacked, some of the stories came out. And now it’s a huge, huge mistake. And the club will look back at it and think, we’ve actually, we’ve f—– up here. It was a huge, huge mistake.”

Mikel has also stated that he thinks Chelsea could actually win the Premier League with Maresca in charge. They currently sit 22 points behind league leaders Arsenal.

Chelsea eye interesting move for Hoffenheim striker Fisnik Asllani who emerged as one of the most coveted young forwards in Europe

 Hoffenheim striker Fisnik Asllani has emerged as one of the most coveted young forwards in Europe following a sensational breakout season in the Bundesliga. Barcelona, Chelsea and Tottenham have all been linked with the 23-year-old, and he has revealed his desire to play in the Champions League as he considers his future.

The striker's representative recently confirmed contact by the Catalan club regarding a potential move to the Spotify Camp Nou. With a release clause reportedly set between €25 million and €29m, the German-born attacker represents an attractive proposition for clubs looking to bolster their front lines without breaking the bank on established superstars.

Asllani has seen his profile skyrocket this term, leading to intense speculation regarding a move to the Premier League or La Liga. Despite the noise, the forward is maintaining a light-hearted approach to the gossip surrounding his future at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena.

"I try to keep my sense of humour through everything. That is one of my greatest strengths," Asllani told Sky Sport. "I try to stay relaxed. What people say, I cannot influence. I can only influence what is on the pitch. There I will always throw everything in, always give everything. In the end, it is also a good sign that people are talking. Because that means that I am also performing well. Therefore it is obviously good, but it doesn't interest me. I stand on the pitch, I throw everything in. Until the last matchday and then we will see."

The promising forward is currently tied to Hoffenheim with a long-term contract that runs until 2029, giving the German club a strong negotiating position. However, Barcelona are not the only European giant monitoring the situation; both Chelsea and Tottenham are also believed to be keeping a close eye on his progress. Asllani’s profile as a physical, high-pressing attacker is seen as an ideal fit for the English top flight, making him a primary target for Premier League scouts.

His rising stock is backed by impressive numbers on the pitch this season. Asllani has featured in 30 matches across all competitions, proving to be a clinical and creative force in the final third. With a remarkable tally of 10 goals and nine assists, his ability to both finish and facilitate play has made him one of the most talked-about young talents in Europe.

While Asllani remains focused on the present with Hoffenheim, he was remarkably candid about his ultimate career goals. The chance to play on Europe's grandest stage remains the primary motivation for the Kosovo international, who admits the competition holds a special place in his heart. "Of course, the Champions League is a dream for every footballer. I think it is simply a beautiful feeling to play in the Champions League," Asllani explained. "I get goosebumps when I just watch and the anthem plays. I always watch the Champions League together with my father, which is why it is simply a huge goal to play in the Champions League one day. I have dreamed of that since I was a little boy."

This ambition may play a decisive role in which suitor wins the race for his signature. While Chelsea and Tottenham are both believed to be weighing up summer moves, the lack of guaranteed top-tier European football at certain interested clubs could prove a stumbling block. For a player who has overcome significant injury setbacks to reach this level, the prestige of the Champions League is clearly the next logical step. Currently, Hoffenheim sit sixth in the Bundesliga, trailing fourth-placed RB Leipzig by five points for the final Champions League qualification spot with only five games remaining in the season.

Source: GOAL

Chelsea are supporting Mykhailo Mudryk and believe his return us imminent

 The timeline for his return is still unknown, with an official FA verdict still pending. In his absence, Chelsea‘s hierarchy has moved decisively to protect the squad’s future, spending over £100 million combined to bring in Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens.

However, Mudryk’s future at Chelsea is far from over yet, having been spotted training at Uxbridge in an attempt to keep himself at the optimal levels.

Mudryk believes that he will return as soon as possible, but the big question is about what Chelsea have planned for the winger if he ends up returning.

Interestingly, The Athletic have provided a little bit more insight into Chelsea’s current thinking, though it still doesn’t really paint the full picture.

Sources say Chelsea are supporting their player but are also planning for the future within their squad, signing Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens last summer to compete for left wing minutes.

Let’s not forget that Geovany Quenda is also coming into the fold this summer from Sporting Libson, which will make Mudryk’s life even more difficult if it comes to that.

Mykhailo Mudryk certainly possesses the potential, but any second chance at Stamford Bridge must not come at the cost of stifling the club’s emerging talent.

With the recent high-profile arrivals of Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens, plus Quenda, it’s important not to overload in one area.

If the Ukrainian is to be afforded another opportunity, it should arguably be through a structured loan spell at a club like Strasbourg.

Source: Chelsea Chronicles 

Chelsea handed Marc Cucurella a new contract earlier this season

 Marc Cucurella’s future has also been discussed recently after he made comments questioning the club’s transfer strategy of signing younger players.

It is believed the Spaniard has just over two years left on his contract, however according to Nizaar Kinsella, Chelsea’s recently published agent fees suggest that he has signed a new deal earlier this season.

He said: “The agent documents through the FA effectively confirm Marc Cucurella got a new deal earlier in the season but it wasn’t publicly announced.”

It does not confirm whether this included an extension to the length of his deal, but if not he remains in the danger zone when it comes to his future at Stamford Bridge.

Despite his recent comments surrounding the club’s policies, there is no indication Cucurella currently wants to leave the club.

Chelsea FC to Bolster Squad with Experienced Signings Alongside Youth Investment This Summer

Chelsea Football Club today outlined its strategic vision for the upcoming summer transfer window, emphasising a balanced approach that will see the addition of select experienced players to complement its already strong core of young talents, while confirming that Liam Rosenior will lead the team into the 2026/27 campaign.

Speaking on behalf of the club’s ownership and football operations, a senior Chelsea source stressed that the club’s long-term project remains firmly on track, despite a challenging run of results in recent weeks. “We have always believed in building a squad that blends youthful energy and potential with the right dose of senior experience and leadership,” the source said. “This summer, we will look to add a handful of experienced, high-quality players who can accelerate the development of our young stars and provide the stability and know-how needed at the highest level.”

The club made clear that it is premature to discuss specific targets. “It is far too early to name individuals,” the source continued. “Our recruitment strategy will be shaped by several key factors, including our performance in the UEFA Champions League, the outcomes of ongoing competitions, player availability, and the evolving market dynamics. We will remain disciplined, data-driven, and patient in our approach.”

Chelsea’s ownership and technical board have been consistent in their support for Head Coach Liam Rosenior, who took over the role earlier in the season following a transitional period. Despite a dip in league form that has raised questions among supporters, the club insists Rosenior is central to its future plans.

“Results have not always reflected the progress we are making on and off the pitch,” the source acknowledged. “We cannot and will not accept a continuation of the current results trend — standards must improve immediately. However, when you look at the broader picture — the development of our young players, the tactical implementation, the culture being built within the squad, and the alignment with our long-term vision — the expectation is very clear: Liam Rosenior will be in charge next season.”

Rosenior is expected to play a hands-on role in the upcoming transfer discussions, working closely with the club’s recruitment team, sporting directors, and analytics department to identify targets that fit both the immediate needs and the stylistic identity being developed at Stamford Bridge.

“Liam has our full backing,” the source added. “He will be heavily involved in shaping the squad for next season. His input on player profiles, character, and tactical fit is invaluable. This is not a short-term fix; this is about building a sustainable, competitive team capable of challenging for major honours in the years ahead.”

Chelsea’s academy and data-led recruitment model has already produced and integrated several standout young talents in recent seasons, many of whom are now regular contributors across all competitions. The club views the addition of experienced players as a complementary step — not a replacement — to this philosophy.

Mykhailo Mudryk using his Influencer girlfriend Jordyn Jones as a weight in a private gym

Chelsea outcast Mykhailo Mudryk appeared to find a novel way to keep fit during his time away from the first team by bench pressing his new girlfriend on social media. 

The Ukraine international has been sidelined since November 2024 after returning a positive drug test for banned substance meldonium. 

In the year-and-a-half since, Mudryk - who was charged by the FA last June - has been unable to take part in training with Liam Rosenior's squad at Chelsea's training ground. 

But while training on the pitch at semi-professional side Uxbridge FC, as the winger did last month, may have been somewhat of a change of scenery from the manicured grounds at Cobham, his latest move seemed even more unorthodox. 

Influencer Jordyn Jones shared a video of the 25-year-old using her as a weight in a private gym, simply captioning the video with three biting-lip emojis. 

Mudryk seemed unruffled by the challenge as he lifted the former child star with ease, and later replied to the post with the sweet message: 'M & J (gift-wrapped heart)'. 

It is unclear when Mudryk and Jones began dating, but the latter has frequently shared pictures of herself dressed in Chelsea merchandise and jerseys despite being unable to watch her boyfriend from the stands. 

Eagle-eyed social media users noted that Mudryk had left a number of romantic messages in Jones' comments section on her Instagram profile in 2025. 

The UEFA Conference League winner also invited Jones to Disneyland before the pair appeared to have connected in person, with the couple later seemingly visiting the Parisian amusement park together. 

Jones shared a screenshot of the initial invitation to her Instagram Stories, captioning the request '6 months ago vs' - before posting a picture of herself at the gates with the message: 'fast forward six months (princess emoji). I'm glad I unblocked you (Mudryk's profile tagged)'. 

In a carousel of photographs shared by Jones in January and geotagged to London, the California-based influencer included a screenshot of a TikTok showing an airplane window and the message 'Took a flight. Changed by life for the better. 10/10 wouldn't change a thing', also appearing to allude to a potential relationship with the footballer. 

By contrast, Mudryk has largely maintained a low profile since his doping charge, only posting sporadic updates to his followers on social media.

Addressing his fans at New Year, the former Shahktar Donetsk winger urged them not to 'give up' on him.

'Happy New year to all my fans,' Mudryk wrote. 'I just wanted to say thank you for your support.

'I see all your messages and truly appreciate them, so please don't give up on me as I do not give up on myself. Can't wait to see you soon.'

Mudryk, who could face up to a four-year ban should the doping charge be proven, was also part of Chelsea's Conference League title party last summer.  

At this stage there is currently no clarity on when his case will be concluded.

Source: Dailymail

Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich star Arjen Robben shoved a TV presenter in a heated row

Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich star Arjen Robben shoved a TV presenter in a heated row after being accused of 'insulting' the referee during his son's Under 14s game.

Footage on social media shows Robben, 42, pushing Wilfred Genee, 58, on the sidelines at half-time of a match between FC Groningen U14s and Victoria Hilversum.

Robben, a coach with his son Kai's team, is involved in a heated exchange with referee Jan Faessen before Genee intervenes.

According to Bild, Robben tells Genee - a Dutch football commentator who was watching his son play for Victoria Hilversum - that he should 'not interfere'.

Robben is then seen pushing Genee before continuing his conversation with Faessen.

Speaking after the match, Genee accused the former Netherlands international of personally insulting him, as well as 'inappropriate behaviour' towards the officials

🔥Leg dich nicht mit Arjen #Robben an! Beim U14-Spiel seines Sohnes (#FCGroningen) gerät die #FCBayern-Legende mit dem Schiri aneinander. Als TV-Moderator Wilfred #Genee dazwischengeht, gibt's einen Wischer & die Ansage: „Sie müssen sich nicht einmischen!“pic.twitter.com/6a7PRVYQnk

— oranjefussball 🇳🇱 (@oranjefussball) April 13, 2026

'He insulted the referee for the entire first half,' he said. 'You really think to yourself: "Man, just behave normally". He's ambitious, always wants to win, but that was inappropriate behaviour.'

FC Groningen dismissed the claims in a statement on social media. 'FC Groningen feels the need to respond to the accusations directed at our colleague Arjen Robben by Wilfred Genee.

'The club denies that Arjen mistreated the referee during or around the match, which has now also been confirmed by the referee himself. What we see and know is that Arjen is fanatical and enthusiastic as a trainer/coach.

'During the break, he is in conversation with the referee, during which Wilfred Genee - who is present there as a parent - uninvitedly interferes with this conversation, after he had already, unasked, ventured onto the field earlier during the warm-up.

'As football clubs, we acknowledge together with the KNVB that parental interference around the football field constitutes a recurring problem that we consider undesirable.

'Since this is a personal conversation between the coach and the referee, we as a club believe that parents should not interfere with this. And because Arjen, in our view, does nothing improper, we consider this matter closed. Arjen has let us know that he has no desire to devote any further attention to this and is fully focusing on his role as trainer/coach.'

Faessen also played down the row in an interview with AD. 'The first thing I said to Robben was: "I'm not the fastest anymore!"' 

Robben enjoyed a successful playing career before moving into a coaching role, winning eight Bundesliga titles and the Champions League with Bayern during a 10-year spell in Germany.

He also won the Premier League with Chelsea and LaLiga with Real Madrid, and was a member of the Dutch side beaten by Spain in the 2010 World Cup final.

Source: Dailymail