Chelsea are unhappy with German officials blaming them for a mix-up over Michael Ballack missing a film shoot for adidas.

The saga was described by the Germany general team manager Oliver Bierhoff as "astonishing", but Chelsea insist it was the German federation which cocked-up.

The Independent says sources at Chelsea have indicated that the German Federation failed to make the correct approaches to them to obtain the special insurance clearance needed for Ballack to take part in the commercial. They say that the first letter they received from Bierhoff requesting permission was dated 31 August. Kenyon and his assistant have been out of the office since that date and Chelsea claim a follow-up phone call was made to the wrong department.

The details are likely to be disputed between both sides but what is undeniable is a growing uncertainty around Ballack's position at Chelsea.