Como have submitted their UEFA Champions League squad list without Maxence Caqueret, the French midfielder who has been a cornerstone of Cesc Fabregas's side. The exclusion, driven by the club's shortage of homegrown players under UEFA regulations, has stunned fans and opened the door to a possible departure — with Besiktas reportedly monitoring the situation.
A Rules Problem Como Could Not Solve
UEFA rules require clubs to register at least eight homegrown players in a 25-man squad list — four trained by the club itself and four developed within the Italian football association. Como only have eight qualifying players, including four youngsters from their primavera (Sgarbi, Cassano, Papaccioli and Andrealli), meaning their List A is capped at just 21 names instead of the full 25.
That forced Fabregas into an impossible choice. With 21 non-trained players competing for 17 available spots, four had to be cut. Lahdo, Addai (still recovering from injury) and Kambwala were the other exclusions, but it was Caqueret's name that sent shockwaves through the club.
Fabregas: "One of the Hardest Days"
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Fabregas admitted the decision was agonising. "It was one of the hardest days since I became a coach," he said. Just days earlier he had told reporters: "I cannot imagine a Como without him." Yet the numbers left him no room to manoeuvre.
Caqueret, who joined Como from Lyon, has been a central figure in the club's rise to the Champions League — their first-ever appearance in Europe's elite competition. The 25-year-old's ability to play across multiple midfield roles has made him indispensable in Serie A, even if UEFA's rules dictated otherwise.
Besiktas Lurking, January Return Possible
The exclusion could have immediate consequences. According to reports, Turkish side Besiktas are among the clubs interested in signing Caqueret should he decide to leave. The player's agent is said to be weighing options, though Caqueret is understood to be happy at Como and may prefer to stay.
There is also a pathway back. In January, midfielder Diao will complete two full years at the club and become eligible for List B — the under-21 category that does not count against the senior quota. That would free up a spot in List A, potentially allowing Caqueret to be re-registered for the knockout rounds if Como progress.
The Squad That Was Named
The 18 players confirmed for the league phase are: Butez, Sanchez (goalkeepers); Kempf, Chalobah, Ramon, Kaiki, Valle, Couto, Smolcic, Dossena (defenders); Perrone, Da Cunha, Milla, Paz, Baturina, Ricci, Liberali (midfielders); Diao, Jesus Rodriguez, Douvikas, Kean (forwards). Cassano was registered in List B.
Como open their Champions League campaign on September 10 at the Sinigaglia against RB Leipzig. Whether Caqueret will still be at the club by then — or by January — remains an open question.
Sources
- https://www.ciaocomo.it/2026/09/03/lista-uefa-como-lescluso-eccellente-e-caqueret-ma-potrebbe-rientrare-a-gennaio-una-scelta-difficile-per-fabregas/342702/
- https://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/calcio/como-ecco-la-prima-lista-uefa-fuori-caqueret_116160861-202602k.shtml
