UEFA says it will investigate Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s links to CSKA Moscow after the clubs were placed in the same Champions League group.
UEFA are concerned about a possible conflict of interest as Abramovich is a leading shareholder in CSKA’s sponsors.
If any conflict was found, one team may have to withdraw.
“If we find that any individual owns more than 51% in two clubs, our rules are clear. They cannot both compete,” said UEFA’s William Gaillard.
“We are going to look into it and see whether there is a controlling interest by Mr Abramovich with two teams in the same group.
“We have to find out whether it is a controlling interest or not. We may already have the facts to decide to dismiss it as a poblem but it has to be looked into thoroughly.
“If it was found that Mr Abramovich had a controlling interest in CSKA Moscow and Chelsea they could not both take part in the competition. He would have to decide which team took part.”
Chelsea have denied that Abramovich has any kind of holding in the Moscow side.
“Mr Abramovich is the owner of Chelsea and Sibneft, a company in which he is one of many shareholders, has a shirt sponsorship deal with CSKA Moscow,” said Chelsea communications director Simon Greenberg.
“Mr Abramovich has no equity stake nor any direct interest in CSKA Moscow.”