With recent developments that have banned them from signing new players in the next two years, Chelsea FC could be facing real pressure in delivering results on the pitch with no new quality players arriving to boost their overall squad. This will have a huge negative effect on manager Carlo Ancelotti’s ability to lead his team to silverware no matter how much club owner Roman Abramovich might desire it. There is simply nothing they can do about it in terms of new football transfers if they are not allowed by the world governing body in the sport to do so. And salt will be poured into their wounds in large measure come January 2010 when their large contingent of African internationals will need to take their leave in representing their national teams in the African Nations Cup. None of the players would want to miss that as it is an honour to don their countries’ jerseys. Not even Chelsea’s talismanic striker Didier Drogba would want to do so. It could be a good test of Ancelotti’s managerial qualities, but one that neither him nor the club would appreciate. In response to the ruling, Chelsea have launched an appeal but it might be some time before a decision is made. Still, there would most certainly be at least one season in which the English Premiership powerhouse would not be allowed to bring on new players to their payroll. That could also lead to worrying consequences with the fact that many of their current players are approaching the wrong end of their 30s. In a rough and tumble league that is the Premiership, fitness and pace are important ingredients for success. Older players might lack in these areas even by making it up with their experience. Chelsea are a club that yearns for continuous success and not just to be amongst the best. Things just cannot get any worse for the London club, can they?