Chelsea opponents Djurgarden in chaos as chairman QUITS over racism scandal 48 hours before Conference League clash
SWEDE SCANDAL Chelsea opponents Djurgarden in chaos as chairman QUITS over racism scandal 48 hours before Conference League clash
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
CHELSEA'S Conference League clash with Djurgardens has been overshadowed by the resignation of the Swedish club's chairman in a racism scandal.
Lars-Erik Sjoberg is at the centre of an investigation by Swedish newspaper Expressen which claims he shared Xenophobic material on social media.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
1
Djurgardens' chairman has quit just the day before their showdown with Chelsea
Credit: Getty
He has been in charge for more than a decade and has left on the eve of the biggest game in his club's history as they prepare to take on the two-time European Champions.
Sjoberg insists he is not the author of the alleged right-wing views.
He said: "When I speak out for Djurgården Football, I do so in Djurgården's channels, or directly with journalists who have approached me for the role of representative of Djurgården Football.
"I publish very little on social media myself, and when I do, it is usually of a family nature.
READ MORE ON CHELSEA
BRIDGING THE GAP Chelsea given green light to stage home games at Twickenham
"However, I follow many accounts on different social media - from different political sides, from different religious views, and from different positions in society.
"I share/like some of what I see in my feed, but I almost never write anything of my own."
Djurgarden face Chelsea in the first leg of their Conference League semi-final tomorrow with the return at Stamford Bridge next Thursday.
The game has already been marked by some of the home players labelling their own artificial pitch 's****y'.
BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK
Thursday's clash is Chelsea's first European semi-final since 2021.
Midfielder Moises Caicedo said: "We know that every game is tough.
Cole Palmer spotted running away from Stamford Bridge as baffled Chelsea fans ask 'where is he going'
"So we will head into it with the mentality that the opposition will be very tough, but with the desire we have of wanting to win the game.
"We will do everything in this game, everything.
"We know that they will be very tough opposition, especially at their ground.
"So, we have to do things well, play our game, and I'm sure we'll be able to bring home a win."
Chelsea player ratings vs Everton
By Lloyd Canfield
ENZO MARESCA watched on from the stands as Chelsea stole a 1-0 win at home to Everton.
The game was shocked into life after 26 minutes when good pressure from the home side saw Nicolas Jackson take the ball on the turn and rifle it into the back of Jordan Pickford's net, his first goal since returning from injury.
It was by no means easy after they grabbed the opener though, as the Blues dominated possession but failed to add more goals to their tally.
So who was to blame for another lethargic display? Did Cole Palmer finally show signs of improvement?
Check out our Chelsea player ratings.
Djurgården have made a slow start to the new Allsvenskan season.
After five consecutive top-four finishes, the club are currently 11th with 7 points from a possible 15.
The Swedish side saw off Rapid Vienna in the quarterfinals and Cyprus' Pafos in the round of 16.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Guardian
25 minutes ago
- South Wales Guardian
Eddie Howe says Alexander Isak could still play for Newcastle again
The 25-year-old Sweden international will not be involved in Saturday's Premier League opener at Aston Villa after telling the club he wants to explore his options this summer, with Liverpool having had a £110million bid for the player rejected. Head coach Howe, who believes Isak could yet be reintegrated back into the squad, has been diplomatic to date when asked about his star striker, but asked if he could see him playing for the Magpies before the end of the summer transfer window, he replied: 'As I sit here now, I don't know that. Alex will control that.' Howe's tacit admission that the Swede is refusing to play rather that having been banished to work alone in an effort to force his way out of the club he joined in a £63million switch from Real Sociedad during the summer of 2022 leaves the two parties in a difficult position. Isak has three years remaining on his contract at St James' Park, and it is understood he will be fined – the maximum penalty for a single offence is two weeks' wages – for missing a competitive match this weekend. Reports have suggested Liverpool will submit a second offer – their initial bid was £40m shy of Newcastle's valuation – but Howe is confident there is a way back for the player should no deal be struck. He said: 'Yes, I believe there is, but of course discussions and talks would have to take place in order for that to happen.' Asked if he expected Isak to still be a Newcastle player in September 2, Howe replied: 'Yes. At the moment I would, but I've got no change of feeling throughout the summer. 'It's not in my hands, but he's contracted to us, so that's why I say that.' Isak's stance had angered and disappointed fans who have seen him blossom to play a major role in last season's Carabao Cup success and Champions League qualification, but Howe insisted the player is aware of what the club, its staff and his team-mates have done for him. He said: 'He's a highly intelligent person and he knows he wouldn't have the success here without everybody connected with Newcastle. 'This is a different moment for him and us, and we're working through that together.' In the meantime, Howe and the club's recruitment team will continue the search for new signings – Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey was close to completing a move on Friday morning while Brentford's Yoane Wissa remains a target – although he admitted their options have been reduced after missing out on the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike and Joao Pedro. He said: 'Yes, we've been active for a few and for whatever reason, they haven't happened, I can't deny that, but we're still actively looking and I still believe that there is someone there that can fit our requirements.'
South Wales Guardian
25 minutes ago
- South Wales Guardian
Howard Webb thinks a return to refereeing for David Coote is unlikely
Former Premier League match official Coote was on Tuesday given an eight-week suspension by the Football Association over abusive words he used about ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. He was sacked by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December, a month after the video filmed in July 2020 came to light. The 43-year-old has a potential route back into football after the FA said he would be free to officiate again after serving the ban and completing an education programme. But PGMOL boss Webb feels that is unlikely. 'I think it'd be really difficult for David to come back, I'm afraid to say,' said Webb. 'He's somebody that we stayed in contact with, somebody who was part of our refereeing family for a long time and served the game for a long period of time and I've known him personally for many years. 'It's sad what happened with David but I think it would be challenging for him to come back.' Coote's misconduct was defined as an aggravated breach under the FA's rules because there was a reference to Klopp's nationality. In the video, he described Klopp as a 'German c***' and said he was 'f****** arrogant'. Coote was banned by European football's governing body UEFA until June 30, 2026 after a different video emerged of him snorting a white powder through a bank note while in Germany for Euro 2024. In January, Coote came out as gay and said a lifelong struggle to hide his sexuality had contributed to the rant about Klopp and his drug use. Webb said PGMOL has reviewed and 'beefed up' its support for match officials and their families in the wake of Coote's downfall. 'When it became apparent David had made some bad choices away from the football field, we had to care for him and we had to try to understand why he'd made some of those choices and were they connected to the job,' said Webb. 'We spoke to all of our officials and there was some feedback from them about the support that they think they need. 'It was a good time for us to reflect on the services that we do provide. 'We've got sports psychologists and some element of mental health and wellbeing and support. But there was a recognition that could be beefed up.' Webb, who took charge of the 2010 Champions League and World Cup finals before retiring in 2014, encouraged match officials to be open about personal issues. 'I don't want officials to have a fear that if they step forward and say, 'can we have a chat?' that that's going to impact their appointments,' said the 54-year-old. 'We wanted to really emphasise to them that doing that was a sign of strength and not weakness. 'I think we've made good ground over the last few months in that respect because we've probably not had those conversations previously. I think we've had a few of them since. 'Having been there myself, traditionally you'd say I've got to show strength, I've got to show nobody's getting to me, I've got a thick skin. But I think over time it can weigh you down.'
South Wales Guardian
25 minutes ago
- South Wales Guardian
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca keen to replace injured Levi Colwill with new signing
England international Colwill is set to miss most of the new season after suffering an ACL injury in training. Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah are poised to start in central defence against Crystal Palace in the Premier League opener on Sunday. Chelsea FC has released the following update regarding Levi Colwill. — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 7, 2025 But Blues boss Maresca is not convinced he can replace key man Colwill, 22, from within his current squad and has been linked with a move for Antonio Silva of Benfica. 'You know how important Levi has been for us last season, for the way we want to play,' said Maresca. 'We said many times that we are able to create chances and to attack in the right way if we are able to build in the right way. Levi was a huge part of our build-up and now he's out. 'We are trying to find a solution internally, but the club know exactly what I think and we'll see what happens. 'I think we need a central defender. We are looking for an internal solution but as I said, the club know exactly what I think. 'We have a fantastic squad. We are happy with the squad. we are, no doubt. But we said many times that when the transfer window is open, anything can happen.' Liverpool manager Arne Slot has tipped Chelsea as title contenders, having also said he expected the west Londoners to beat his side to the crown last season. Maresca, though, is not falling for any so-called mind games from his rival bosses. 'I don't pay attention to what the other people say about us,' the Italian added. 'Also because it's easy to say that more clubs are involved. I don't like to play this kind of game. 'I like to be focused on players, try to improve and then what they say, they can say what they want.' #OnThisDay exactly one month ago, Chelsea beat PSG in the Club World Cup final! 🔵🏆 — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 13, 2025 Chelsea face a step into the unknown this season having only just returned to pre-season training following their successful World Club Cup campaign. 'We guess we are ready,' said Maresca. 'It has been quite a short break, but we will try to be ready. 'For sure, it's something new. Unfortunately we don't have the answer, because it's something new.'
