Significant concern arose at Chelsea's training ground in Cobham, southwest London, when an alarm was triggered for a potential chlorine leak in the pool area. The main building was immediately evacuated, with players and staff removed, while Surrey Fire and Rescue Service vehicles rushed to the scene.
Despite the initial disruption, the team's training session continued as planned outdoors, as part of their preparation for the upcoming Premier League match against Sunderland.
A short while later, authorities confirmed the alarm was false. Players and staff were immediately given permission to re-enter the building to retrieve their personal belongings, which they had hastily abandoned during the evacuation.
In an official statement, Chelsea said: "Fire services responded to an automatically activated alarm at the Cobham training facility. As a precautionary measure, all personnel were safely evacuated. Emergency services confirmed a false alarm, and staff and players were able to return to the building."
The 15-meter hydrotherapy pool is a central feature of the club's state-of-the-art facilities, equipped with an underwater treadmill and cameras to monitor athlete rehabilitation.
This incident adds to a series of recent issues at Cobham. Not long ago, camera equipment valued at 40,000 euros was reported missing, with police investigating the case, though it remains unclear whether it was a theft or a loss.
The Cobham facilities, which cost over 25 million euros, have been operational since 2005 and were officially inaugurated in 2007. The 140-acre site primarily hosts Chelsea's women's team, academy, and youth sections. A large portion of the buildings is underground due to planning restrictions, a factor that has caused various administrative issues in the past.