Chelsea have been charged with 74 alleged breaches of Football Association (FA) regulations relating to agents, intermediaries and third-party investment in players.
The FA confirmed on Thursday that the charges cover the period between 2009 and 2022, primarily focused on the 2010/11 to 2015/16 seasons, when the club was under the ownership of Roman Abramovich. Chelsea must respond by 19 September, though the deadline could be extended due to the number of alleged breaches.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe irregularities were first identified during the sale of the club in 2022, when the BlueCo consortium led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital withheld £100m from the £2.5bn purchase price amid concerns over “unforeseen liabilities”. The new owners subsequently self-reported the findings to the FA, Premier League and UEFA.
Transfers involving Eden Hazard, Willian and Samuel Eto’o are among those believed to be under scrutiny. Chelsea maintain the payments would not have affected financial fair play compliance and have already settled related tax matters with HMRC.
Embed from Getty ImagesFootball finance expert Kieran Maguire compared Chelsea’s cooperation to AC Milan’s reduced UEFA ban in 2019, suggesting mitigation could lead to a financial penalty. Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan also said a fine is the most likely outcome.
An independent commission will rule on any sanction, while the Premier League continues a separate investigation into the same financial issues.
Embed from Getty ImagesWritten by Isabelle Newnham
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