Chelsea hit with 74 charges

Chelsea have been accused by the Football Association of 74 breaches of its rules, linked to payments made to agents between 2009 and 2022.

Most of the alleged misconduct relates to seasons spanning 2010-11 through 2015-16, and involves dealings with agents, intermediaries and third-party player investments.

The club has until 19 September to provide its response. Possible punishments range from fines to transfer bans or even a points deduction, though the FA is expected to take Chelsea’s extensive co-operation into account.

The charges cover a period when Roman Abramovich owned the west London side, from 2003 until his sanctioned departure in 2022. Abramovich sold the club to a consortium fronted by US investor Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

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“During a thorough due diligence process prior to completion of the purchase, the ownership group became aware of potentially incomplete financial reporting concerning historical transactions and other potential breaches of FA rules,” Chelsea said.

“Immediately upon the completion of the purchase, the club self-reported these matters to all relevant regulators, including the FA.

“The club has demonstrated unprecedented transparency during this process, including by giving comprehensive access to the club’s files and historical data.”

Chelsea were fined £8.6m by UEFA in July 2023 after being found to have provided “incomplete financial information” between 2012 and 2019. That sanction came after the new owners flagged irregularities to regulators following the May 2022 takeover.

Last year, it was revealed that transfers involving Samuel Eto’o and Willian were examined as part of a Premier League inquiry into Chelsea’s finances. Both players signed from Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013, under Abramovich’s tenure.

Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government in March 2022 over alleged ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin, which he has denied. The restrictions forced him to sell Chelsea, though he was granted a licence on condition he did not personally profit.

The billionaire said proceeds from the £2.5bn sale would go to a foundation helping “all victims of the war in Ukraine,” including Russians. The funds remain frozen in a UK bank account and, while legally still his, Abramovich cannot access them.

In June, the government warned it may take Abramovich to court to ensure the money is directed solely towards Ukrainian humanitarian relief, rather than distributed more widely as he originally proposed.

Two months before selling the club, Abramovich reportedly suffered suspected poisoning during peace talks on the Ukraine-Belarus border.

The 58-year-old, who built his fortune in oil and gas, was said to be acting as a mediator in discussions between Russia and Ukraine.

(BBC SPORT)