Chelsea’s BlueCo ownership group is bracing itself for an uncomfortable few days, with protests planned on both sides of the Channel.
The flashpoint is the recent decision to bring Liam Rosenior to Stamford Bridge, a move that has angered supporters not only in west London but also at Chelsea’s sister club, Strasbourg.
What was already a tense atmosphere has now escalated into coordinated demonstrations, highlighting the growing unease around multi-club ownership and who really benefits from it.
Stamford Bridge Set for Fan Demonstration
Saturday’s Premier League clash with Brentford will not just be about points on the pitch.
Ahead of kick-off, a group calling itself “Not a Project CFC” plans to stage a protest outside the stadium.
Supporters are still seething over the exit of former head coach Enzo Maresca, and for many, Rosenior’s arrival has come to symbolise a broader frustration with the direction of the club under BlueCo.
The message from the stands is expected to be clear: Chelsea should not feel like an experiment or a cog in a larger corporate machine.
Anger Boils Over in Strasbourg
The discontent does not stop in London.
On Sunday, Strasbourg’s most vocal fan group, Ultra Boys 90, will stage their own protest before their match against Metz.
Their anger is rooted in Rosenior’s departure, which they see as further proof that their club plays second fiddle within the BlueCo network.
In a strongly worded statement, the group accused the ownership model of putting Chelsea first and Strasbourg last.
To them, Rosenior’s move was not an isolated decision but part of a pattern where one club’s gain comes at the direct expense of the other.
‘A Stepping Stone, Not a Partner’
Ultra Boys 90 did not hold back. They described the situation as a “vertical” system where Chelsea “helps itself” while Strasbourg pays the price.
The idea of being a so-called “brother club” rang hollow, they argued, insisting Strasbourg has instead been reduced to a launchpad for players and now coaches destined for London.
The group contrasted the current mood with the optimism that existed before the June 2023 takeover, when the club had enjoyed a remarkable rise from the fifth tier of French football to Ligue 1.
Questions Over Public Money and Sporting Integrity
The protest statement also raised uncomfortable questions beyond the club itself.
Supporters pointed to the €160 million invested by local authorities in renovating the Meinau stadium and asked who truly benefits from that public spending.
They questioned whether French football’s governing bodies were concerned about the integrity of the league and the erosion of a model where clubs exist for their communities, not global investment strategies.
For Ultra Boys 90, this is about more than one manager leaving — it is about identity and sovereignty.
Marches, Banners and a Familiar Message
Sunday’s protest will take the form of a march towards the stadium, followed by banners and displays throughout the match. It is a tactic Strasbourg fans know well.
Throughout BlueCo’s ownership, Ultra Boys 90 have repeatedly made their stance clear, often unfurling a banner that simply reads “No to multi-club ownership.”
This weekend, that message is expected to be louder than ever.
Rosenior Strikes a Positive Tone
Despite the unrest, Rosenior has spoken warmly about his time in France.
In his first press conference as Chelsea’s head coach, he praised Strasbourg’s players and staff, insisting he felt fully supported during his tenure there.
He described the progress made at the club as a success story and said he plans to bring the same approach to his new role in London, also speaking positively about the BlueCo structure.
Dressing Room Discontent Left Behind
Not everyone at Strasbourg shared that upbeat view.
Sources within the dressing room had already voiced their anger before Rosenior’s departure was confirmed, with one insider suggesting the manner of his exit would leave lasting damage.
The mood, they warned, was one of disbelief and resentment, with fears that the squad could unravel as a result.
A New Era Begins on Two Fronts
Strasbourg have moved quickly, appointing former Wolves boss Gary O’Neill as Rosenior’s replacement.
He enjoyed a dream start, overseeing a thumping 6–0 French Cup win against Avranches over the weekend.
Back in London, Rosenior now faces his own test.
Brentford will be his first home Premier League assignment in charge of Chelsea — a match played against the backdrop of protests, scrutiny and a debate about modern football ownership that shows no sign of fading.
What Comes Next?
For BlueCo, this weekend may be just the beginning of a longer reckoning.
With fans in both England and France voicing their anger, the pressure is growing for answers about how multi-club ownership works in practice — and who it is really meant to serve.
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