LONDON, Oct 8 (SW) – Another controversy could be awaiting the Champions League encounter between Chelsea and Barcelona.

Last year when the two teams met at Stamford Bridge the Spaniards accused the Chelsea ground staff of pouring sand on to the surface to allow it deteriorate before their Champions League encounter and by so doing attempt to thwart their smooth passing style.

A similar course of events appears to have taken place ahead of this season's meeting.

Chelsea meet Barcelona in a Group qualifying match at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday the 18th of October. Ironically Barcelona beat Chelsea 2 – 1 at Stamford Bridge in last season’s encounter.

The club wasted no time in denying similar claims by saying that pouring sand on the surface is only routine maintenance in an effort to improve the ground’s drainage ahead of the rainy winter months.