On September 11, 2025, England’s Football Association (FA) charged Chelsea FC with 74 breaches of rules tied to agent payments from 2009 to 2022.
The violations, primarily from 2010 to 2016, occurred during Roman Abramovich’s ownership. Chelsea must respond by September 19, 2025.
How It Started
In May 2022, a consortium led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital bought Chelsea for £4.25 billion, ending Abramovich’s 19-year reign.
During due diligence, the new owners discovered incomplete financial reporting. They reported these issues to UEFA, the Premier League, and the FA. In July 2023, Chelsea paid UEFA €10 million for breaching Financial Fair Play rules from 2012 to 2019.
What Are the Charges?
The FA accuses Chelsea of violating:
- FA Football Agents Regulations (J1, C2), banning unauthorized agent payments and misrepresentation in transactions.
- Regulations on Working with Intermediaries (A2, A3), prohibiting payments to unregistered intermediaries.
- Third Party Investment in Players Regulations (A1, B3), concerning improper investments.
The charges involve alleged payments through offshore companies, including transfers of Eden Hazard (2012), Willian, and Samuel Eto’o (2013). The players face no accusations.
Parallels with Manchester City?
Chelsea’s case shares similarities with Manchester City’s ongoing Premier League investigation, both involving historic financial breaches. However, differences exist:
- Chelsea self-reported issues under prior ownership.
- Manchester City’s alleged breaches, exposed externally, involve current owners and non-cooperation claims.
Potential Punishments
Chelsea may face a fine, points deduction, or transfer ban. The club expects a fine, similar to their UEFA case, due to their transparency. An independent commission will decide after Chelsea responds. Mitigating factors include:
- Self-reporting to regulators.
- Cooperation with investigations.
- New ownership unconnected to breaches.
- Violations occurring over a decade ago.
Chelsea’s Response
Chelsea expressed relief that their FA engagement nears conclusion. They emphasized transparency, sharing files and data.
“We’ve worked closely with the FA on issues from over a decade ago,” the club stated, aiming for a swift resolution.
Why It Matters
The charges test Chelsea’s new ownership and the FA’s enforcement of financial rules. The outcome could impact the club’s reputation and competitiveness, amid scrutiny of past practices.
