Chelsea will take a full-strength squad to play a charity match in America in May even though the game is taking place just three days after the end of the Premier League season.
The Blues have confirmed that the game against New England Revolution, part of their ‘Say no to anti-Semitism’ campaign, will take place on May 15.
Chelsea play at Leicester, in a game which could determine whether they finish in the top four, on May 12.
But the club are determined to make a success of the USA fixture, which has been titled ‘final whistle on hate’, and want their first-team players to attend.
The game will be played near Boston and means that the squad will face a 6,500-mile round trip.
However, it was deemed the best time possible for it to be held. Should Chelsea reach the Europa League Final in Azerbaijan on May 29 — another 5,000 mile round trip — it gives them enough time to recover and prepare.
All proceeds from the New England Revolution game will go towards raising funds for projects promoting equality and tolerance.
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Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has already promised £760,000 to the cause as has his counterpart at New England.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have lodged their appeal to FIFA over their two-window transfer ban for breaking rules over the signing of foreign minors.
