Thomas Tuchel: Axed Chelsea boss may be forced to leave the UK before Christmas

Chelsea’s decision to sack Thomas Tuchel earlier this month could leave the German at risk of deportation from the United Kingdom, according to reports.

The 49-year-old German spent 19 months in charge at Stamford Bridge having replaced Frank Lampard in January 2021.

Just months after his arrival, Tuchel guided Chelsea to Champions League glory and looked set for a long and fruitful reign in west London.

However, after finishing third in the Premier League last season, Chelsea’s 2022/23 campaign got off to an awful start – and Tuchel paid for it with his job.

Tuchel was relieved of his duties on September 7, mere hours after his team suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.

That reverse, coupled with poor Premier League form, prompted Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly to dispense with Tuchel’s services during a call that reportedly lasted less than 10 minutes.

Tuchel is believed to have been handed a lucrative compensation package following his sacking, but the termination of his employment with Chelsea looks set to have consequences beyond football or finance.

READ MORE: Todd Boehly: Chelsea chairman’s ‘power move’ left Tuchel ‘fuming’ before sacking

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According to a report from the Daily Mail, via The Telegraph, Tuchel and his backroom staff arrived in the UK on post-Brexit Governing Body Endorsement visas when joining Chelsea – something the club had to make a special request for from government officials after Brexit rule changes.

The terms of these visas gave holders just 90 days to remain in the UK following the termination of their employment.

When Chelsea made the decision to axe Tuchel, the clock began to tick on