Chelsea’s first major storyline of 2026 has arrived with shock and controversy. Enzo Maresca has officially left the club, and new reports reveal the Italian coach refused a compensation package worth more than £14 million, despite being contractually entitled to it.
According to The Sun, Maresca’s decision was driven by growing frustration with Chelsea’s hierarchy and a feeling of persistent disrespect from the club’s leadership.
Maresca Walks Away From Contractual Payout
Maresca was under contract at Chelsea until 2029, a deal that guaranteed him a severance payment of £14 million upon early dismissal.
However, the Italian manager reportedly waived the entire sum, choosing to exit Stamford Bridge immediately and without negotiating financial terms.
Sources cited by the English tabloid claim Maresca felt increasingly marginalized by the club’s decision-makers, prompting him to sever ties rather than prolong an already fractured relationship.
Tensions Had Been Public for Weeks
Maresca’s departure did not come entirely out of the blue. In recent weeks, his public comments and body language hinted at growing dissatisfaction with Chelsea’s internal structure.
Behind the scenes, tensions had reportedly reached a breaking point, with Maresca believing his authority was being undermined by the club’s hierarchy. The final split merely confirmed what many around the club already suspected: the end of a short and turbulent cycle.
A Trophy-Laden but Unfinished Spell
Despite the abrupt ending, Maresca leaves Chelsea with silverware to his name. In July, the Blues lifted the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3–0 in a dominant final.
Earlier in the season, Chelsea also secured the UEFA Conference League, adding another trophy to the cabinet under Maresca’s leadership.
In the Premier League, the campaign began promisingly but gradually lost momentum. Chelsea currently sit fifth in the table, 17 points behind leaders Arsenal, after a noticeable dip in form.
Short Tenure After Long-Term Contract
Maresca joined Chelsea in June 2024, signing a five-year contract with an optional 12-month extension. Less than two years later, that agreement has ended prematurely — and without the financial consequences typically associated with such a separation.
His willingness to forgo a nine-figure payout underscores the depth of the rift between manager and club.
Chelsea’s Immediate Schedule
As Chelsea move on from Maresca, competitive action continues:
Fulham vs Chelsea – January 7, 4:30 PM (Brasília time)
Premier League – Live on Disney+
Charlton vs Chelsea – January 10, 5:00 PM (Brasília time)
FA Cup – Live on Disney+
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
