CHELSEA’S Conference League clash with Djurgardens has been overshadowed by the resignation of the Swedish club’s chairman in a racism scandal.
Lars-Erik Sjoberg is at the centre of an investigation by Swedish newspaper Expressen which claims he shared Xenophobic material on social media.
He has been in charge for more than a decade and has left on the eve of the biggest game in his club’s history as they prepare to take on the two-time European Champions.
Sjoberg insists he is not the author of the alleged right-wing views.
He said: “When I speak out for DjurgÃ¥rden Football, I do so in DjurgÃ¥rden’s channels, or directly with journalists who have approached me for the role of representative of DjurgÃ¥rden Football.
“I publish very little on social media myself, and when I do, it is usually of a family nature.
“However, I follow many accounts on different social media – from different political sides, from different religious views, and from different positions in society.
“I share/like some of what I see in my feed, but I almost never write anything of my own.”;
Djurgarden face in the first leg of their Conference League semi-final tomorrow with the return at Stamford Bridge next Thursday.
The game has already been marked by some of the home players
Thursday’s clash is Chelsea’s first European semi-final since 2021.
Midfielder said: “We know that every game is tough.
“So we will head into it with the mentality that the opposition will be very tough, but with the desire we have of wanting to win the game.
“We will do everything in this game, everything.
“We know that they will be very tough opposition, especially at their ground.
“So, we have to do things well, play our game, and I’m sure we’ll be able to bring home a win.”;
Djurgården have made a slow start to the new Allsvenskan season.
After five consecutive top-four finishes, the club are currently 11th with 7 points from a possible 15.
The Swedish side saw off Rapid Vienna in the quarterfinals and Cyprus’ Pafos in the round of 16.
