Didier Drogba has been handed a four-game European ban for his post-match antics against Barcelona last season.
Drogba has in fact been suspended for six Champions League matches having accosted referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after Andres Iniesta’s last-gasp equaliser denied The Blues a place in last season’s final.
However, the last two games of his ban have been deferred for a probationary period of two years and are therefore unlikely to be enforced unless the Ivory Coast international steps out of line again.
Jose Bosingwa referred to Ovrebo as ‘a thief’ after a match in which Chelsea felt they were denied four clear penalties and has subsequently been handed a four-match suspension, the last of which has also been deferred for two seasons.
The club as a whole have also been heavily punished by Uefa.
“Chelsea FC have been fined €100,000 for the improper conduct of their players and the throwing of missiles by their supporters at the match against Barcelona, which ended in a 1-1 draw,” read a statement on the governing body’s official website.
“Either the club or the players may appeal against the decision within three days of the dispatch of the reasoned decision.”
Michael Ballack avoided a charge for his over-zealous penalty appeals but Carlo Ancelotti will now be without both Drogba and Bosingwa for the opening throes of his debut Champions League campaign at Stamford Bridge.
The club were quick to respond to the news but gave little insight as to whether they would press ahead with an appeal.
"Chelsea Football Club is considering our response to Uefa punishment that sees Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa suspended for European games and the club fined," read a statement on their official website.