Chelsea have warned staff about using inside information on Fantasy Premier League after an apparent leak of João Pedro's injury status. The forward's condition was seemingly revealed through team selections on the public gaming platform ahead of Chelsea's 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham on October 24.
An email was sent to staff at the club's Cobham training base reminding them of the potential consequences of using confidential team news. Chelsea view the incident as isolated and have no plans to introduce further restrictions on Fantasy Premier League participation. The club experienced similar information security issues last season during Liam Rosenior's four-month spell in charge, prompting multiple warnings at that time.
Manager Xabi Alonso addressed the situation. "I am not into the fantasy team thing, so I didn't know that," he told reporters.
The sensitivity around team news is heightened by Pedro's importance to the side. He is Chelsea's top scorer this season with five goals in just six appearances. His potential absence is a significant concern for a team sitting fifth in the Premier League with 16 points from 10 games, a record of five wins, one draw, and four losses. They are 11 points behind leaders Arsenal and have scored 19 goals while conceding 16 this season.
Chelsea's recent form has been inconsistent, with two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five matches. This run includes that loss to Tottenham and a more recent 1-0 defeat away to Sunderland on November 8, where Enzo Le Fée scored the only goal from a penalty. Other recent results include a 2-0 win over Manchester United on October 31, a 1-1 draw with Liverpool on October 28, and a 2-0 win at Everton on October 17. The club will hope to resolve any internal information leaks as they look to close the gap at the top of the standings.
This story first appeared at BBC Sport Football
