The 2003–04 season was Chelsea F.C.'s 12th consecutive season in the Premier League and 98th year as a club. Manager Claudio Ranieri was sacked on 31 May 2004 and was replaced by José Mourinho. In July 2003, long-time chairman Ken Bates sold the club to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.
Chelsea finished the season as runners-up in the Premier League. In the Champions League Chelsea reached the semi-finals against AS Monaco, but failed to reach the final, losing 5–3 on aggregate to the French side. They also exited the FA Cup in the fifth round to Arsenal and the Carling Cup in the quarter-finals to Aston Villa.
Team kit
The team kit was produced by Umbro. The shirt sponsor was Emirates Airline; the kit bore the "Fly Emirates" logo. Chelsea's home kit was all blue with a white collar. Their new away kit was all white with black and blue stripes down the centre. Last season's away kit (all black with blue accents) was retained as the club's third kit.
First team squad
Squad at end of season
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Source: Premier League Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored. (C) Champions Notes:
^Since Manchester United qualified for the Champions League, their place in the UEFA Cup as 2003–04 FA Cupwinners went to First Division club Millwall, who were the FA Cup runners-up.
^Ma-Kalambay was born in Brussels, Belgium, and has represented Belgium internationally at youth level, but also qualified to represent the DR Congo and made his full international debut for DR Congo in May 2010.
^Hollands previously wore the #41 jersey, until it was given to Rocastle.