Relations between Chelsea and midfielder Michael Ballack reached a new low yesterday after the Stamford Bridge club delayed permission for the German international to take part in a publicity shoot with Adidas.

Footy Boots reported yesterday that the DFB (German Football Federation) had tried unsuccessfully to contact Chelsea Chief Executive Peter Kenyon, to seek permission for Adidas Predator Absolute football boot wearer Michael Ballack to feature in a Euro 2008 promotional campaign with German team sponsors Adidas.

Chelsea’s lack of an adequately timed response has led Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff to suggest that they are trying to provoke a conflict. Bierhoff went on to say: “That’s not how you treat a German international, especially the captain of the team. It’s not correct they treat us and their partner Adidas in this way. It seems the club has other methods. Coach Joachim Low and I want a meeting with Jose Mourinho to find out what’s going on.”

Meanwhile Ballack has been linked with a move to Real Madrid when the transfer window reopens in January.