Chelsea has “been fined” $14.31M (All figures US) and “given sanctions over transfers by the Premier League for secret payments to players and unlicensed agents to facilitate the transfer of some of their biggest stars during Roman Abramovich’s ownership.” It is the “biggest fine ever handed out by the Premier League,” but “no points deduction was imposed because the offences were self-reported by the new owners following the May 2022 takeover.” The Premier League confirmed that it had “given significant mitigation because the club’s new owners reported the breaches after discovering the payments during the takeover process.” It also is “satisfied that even if the payments had all been declared, Chelsea would still have complied with its Profitability and Sustainability Rules” (London TIMES, 3/16).
There is still an investigation by the Football Association “hanging over Chelsea,” although the expectation is that the FA will “follow the examples set by the Premier League and UEFA and not impose sporting sanctions on the club.” Chelsea reached a $10.6M settlement with UEFA in 2023 regarding the same payments (London TELEGRAPH, 3/16).
