Chelsea Football Club has been charged with 74 breaches of Football Association (FA) regulations concerning agents, intermediaries, and third-party investments. The charges span from 2009 to 2022, with the majority occurring between the 2010–11 and 2015–16 seasons during Roman Abramovich’s ownership.
The FA’s charges pertain to violations of Regulations J1 and C2 of the FA Football Agents Regulations, Regulations A2 and A3 of the FA Regulations on Working with Intermediaries, and Regulations A1 and B3 of the FA Third Party Investment in Players Regulations. The alleged breaches involve irregular payments and undisclosed dealings related to player transfers, including high-profile signings such as Eden Hazard, Willian, and Samuel Eto’o.
The current ownership group, led by Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali of Clearlake Capital, discovered these irregularities during their due diligence process prior to acquiring the club in May 2022. Upon identifying the issues, Chelsea voluntarily reported them to the FA, UEFA, and the Premier League. In 2023, Chelsea reached an £8.6 million settlement with UEFA over similar concerns. The Premier League’s investigation is ongoing.
Chelsea’s Response
Chelsea has expressed its commitment to transparency and cooperation. A club spokesperson stated, “Chelsea FC is pleased to confirm that its engagement with the FA concerning matters that were self-reported by the club is now reaching a conclusion.” The club emphasized its unprecedented transparency during this process, including granting comprehensive access to its files and historical data. Chelsea has until September 19, 2025, to respond to the FA’s charges.
Potential Consequences
While the charges are significant, they are unlikely to result in points deductions or transfer bans, as the current ownership group was not involved in the alleged breaches. However, financial penalties remain a possibility. The FA’s investigation is focused on ensuring accountability for past violations and maintaining the integrity of football regulations.
The 74 charges against Chelsea highlight the importance of adherence to FA regulations and the need for transparency in football dealings. As the investigation progresses, the club’s cooperation and the FA’s findings will be crucial in determining the appropriate course of action.
English