The PFA Demands an End to “Bomb Squad” Banishments in Football
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) is pushing for an end to the practice of “bomb squads,” where football clubs banish players from first-team training, deeming it “unacceptable.” This comes as Chelsea FC has exiled 13 players, including Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell, from their first team.
The PFA has been in contact with Chelsea players and their representatives, offering assistance and support. They believe that such situations should be prevented from occurring in the Premier League and throughout the footballing pyramid.
The union is campaigning for stricter regulations to prevent the use of “bomb squads,” which they claim is a growing problem in the sport. They argue that the current Premier League Handbook is too vague on the issue, leaving players open to exploitation.
Under the current rules, footballers are required to “attend at any reasonable place for the purposes of and to participate in training and match preparation.” However, the PFA believes that this clause is too open to interpretation, allowing clubs to exploit players.
FIFA has updated its regulations on the “status and transfer of players” to warn clubs against “abusive conduct.” However, the PFA feels that more needs to be done to prevent the practice of “bomb squads.”
Chelsea FC has defended its decision to exile players, stating that they have done so in an appropriate manner. The club has set up a separate training group for the exiled players, led by loan technical coach Carlo Cudicini. This, they claim, allows the players to focus on their futures and limits false hope of a first-team reprieve.
The PFA remains unsatisfied with the current situation and is pushing for change. They believe that the practice of “bomb squads” is a breach of employment law and is detrimental to the well-being of players.
Ben Chilwell (left) and Trevoh Chalobah (right) have joined Sterling in the exiled group
The PFA’s general counsel, James King, has questioned whether the practice of “bomb squads” breaches employment law. The union is pushing for change, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.
What do you think about the practice of “bomb squads” in football? Share your thoughts in the comments below.