UEFA have said that any attempt by Chelsea to prevent Thibaut Courtois playing against the Blues for Atletico Madrid would not be tolerated.
The governing body’s statement comes after Press reports that Atletico would have to pay a substantial amount to the Premier League club to be able to field the goalkeeper if the sides were drawn against each other in the Champions League semi-finals.
“In response to media reports referring to the situation of Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, UEFA would like to reiterate its position,” the statement began.
“The integrity of sporting competition is a fundamental principle for UEFA.
“Both the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations contain clear provisions which strictly forbid any club to exert, or attempt to exert, any influence whatsoever over the players that another club may (or may not) field in a match.
“It follows that any provision in a private contract between clubs which might function in such a way as to influence who a club fields in a match is null, void and unenforceable so far as UEFA is concerned.
“Furthermore, any attempt to enforce such a provision would be a clear violation of both the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations and would therefore be sanctioned accordingly.”
