The chairman of Chelsea’s Europa Conference League semi-final opponents has resigned after being caught up in a racism storm.
Enzo Maresca’s side are due to take on Swedish outfit Djurgarden in their semi-final, with the first leg set to take place on Thursday night.
But Djurgarden’s preparations have been severely disrupted after their chairman Lars-Erik Sjoberg allegedly shared xenophobic messages on his social media.
Sjoberg’s actions are being investigated by Swedish newspaper Expressen, and he has now stood down from his position. He has been replaced by Erik Gozzi.
Sjoberg apologised to ‘anyone who had been hurt’ and stated he hoped his ‘private engagement on social media would not have a negative impact on the club’.
He also claimed that he rarely writes anything on social media himself, but admitted he does share messages he likes with his followers.
Djurgarden chairman Lars-Erik Sjoberg (pictured) has resigned after allegedly sharing xenophobic messages on social media
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea will face Djurgarden in the Europa Conference League semi-finals
Djurgarden have exceeded expectations to reach the last four, and will now have to put off-field controversy behind them
Sjoberg explained: ‘When I speak out for Djurgarden Football, I do so in Djurgarden’s channels, or directly with journalists who have approached me for the role of representative of Djurgarden 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.’
Sjoberg is hopeful his behaviour will not be an issue for Djurgarden, who are already entering their semi-final tie as huge underdogs.
Chelsea have won the Champions League and Europa League twice each in the last 13 years, and are now looking to triumph in another major European competition.
Djurgarden will have to pull off something special to reach the final, but they did finish fifth in the league phase and have since knocked out Pafos and Rapid Wien.
If they can beat Chelsea, it will be the biggest victory in their history and will set up a final with either Fiorentina or Real Betis in Poland next month.
