Chelsea are favourites to win the Barclays Premier League and the FA Cup, but face a logistical nightmare in arranging the customary open-top bus procession of their trophies. Despite opening talks with local authorities about an event this year, the London EveningStandard reports that the parade could be scuppered if too many of their players are called away to report for World Cup duty.
The parade has been pencilled in for Sunday May 16, the day after the FA Cup Final against Portsmouth.
England internationals such as John Terry and Frank Lampard would not have to fly out to England's training camp until the Monday, but the club's foreign stars may have different demands.
Chelsea confirmed they were in preliminary talks with local authorities.
"It's only prudent to plan ahead for the possibility of a large scale event should the club be successful this season,' said a spokesman.
"Due to the timescales involved in authorising the required licences and permissions, it's important to give local authorities sufficient lead time to plan effectively."
