Chelsea Captain Ballack Ponders Retirement After Blues Slapped With Two-Year Transfer Ban

The hits keep coming for Chelsea. After received a two-year transfer ban on Thursday, their captain, Michael Ballack, says he may call it quits after the World Cup:

This New York Times analysis explains what a blow this could be to Chelsea:

This judgment, if it sticks, will critically damage Chelsea’s ability to compete in the sport. It means that Carlo Ancelotti, who two months ago left A.C. Milan to become the new Chelsea coach, will not be able to shape the team.Chelsea’s days of spending like the New York Yankees of international soccer may be temporarily halted, pending an appeal. If it wants to continue to be one of the world’s top clubs it is going to have to rethink how how it runs itself.

Under the table arrangements usually have a way of blowing up in your face. The Times of London reports:

There is a precedent for this type of punishment. In 2005, Roma received a similar punishment, which was subsequently reduced to just a single transfer window. So there is some hope for Chelsea, which will almost certainly appeal the decision.