Overview
- Head coach Liam Rosenior announced Friday that Fernández will sit out the FA Cup quarterfinal against Port Vale and the Premier League match against Manchester City.
- Rosenior said the midfielder "crossed a line" with comments about wanting to live in Madrid and described the ban as a joint decision with the sporting directors and the owner.
- Agent Javier Pastore called the punishment "completely unjust" and said talks to improve Fernández’s contract are on hold until after the World Cup.
- Fernández watched from the stands Saturday as Chelsea routed Port Vale 7-0 to reach the FA Cup semifinals, with the club saying the door remains open after the two-game ban.
- The episode follows poor results and reported dressing-room friction, including a confrontation with goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen and criticism from former club figures, fueling uncertainty over the player’s future.