Thomas Cook collapse: Chelsea to cover cost for fans forced to rebook after holiday firm goes under

Chelsea have vowed to cover the cost for supporters who booked travel with Thomas Cook to Lille or Southampton after the company’s collapse.

The 178-year-old firm went into liquidation on Monday after failing to find the £250million required to stay in business.

Thomas Cook Sport operated match packages for a range of Premier League, Champions League and Europa League ties with the Blues’ trip to Lille next month among those fixtures included.

Chelsea plan to cover the cost for those individuals forced to rebook and information will be sent to fans later this week.

Frank Lampard’s side also face Ajax and Valencia in the Champions League group stage. However, they do not travel to Amsterdam until 23 October or Spain until 27 November and consequently anyone who booked through Thomas Cook has not been charged. Fans will now be expected to make alternative arrangements on their own.

But Chelsea’s Premier League trip to Southampton has been affected and those who had planned to travel with Thomas Cook will be invited to make a new booking through the club website in the coming days. Once again, the club will cover the cost.

Regarding hospitality packages at Stamford Bridge, a Chelsea statement added: “All hospitality bookings made through Thomas Cook have been cancelled and supporters should contact their credit card provider.

“Further information regarding domestic and European travel for Chelsea supporters will be announced in due course. We thank you for your understanding.”