Chelsea FC is facing 74 charges from the Football Association (FA) for alleged breaches of agent regulations and third-party investment rules between 2009 and 2022, during Roman Abramovich’s ownership. FA revealed this week that the West London club who are the current World Champions have been charged with dozens of rule breaches relating to agents, intermediaries, and third party investments in players. While the exact punishment is yet to be determined, potential sanctions could include
Financial Penalty in which a fine seems likely, considering Chelsea’s high level of cooperation and transparency in the investigation.
This could be a more suitable punishment, given that the current owners and players weren’t involved in the alleged breaches.
A transfer ban is possible, but less likely, as it would impact the current team’s performance and might be seen as unfair to the present owners and players.
Points Deduction is also possible, but a sporting sanction might be seen as punishing the wrong parties, given the circumstances.
The FA has given Chelsea until September 19 to respond to the charges. It’s worth noting that Chelsea self-reported these potential breaches to the FA, Premier League, and UEFA after their new ownership group discovered them during due diligence. In July 2023, Chelsea agreed to pay UEFA £8.6 million for incomplete financial reporting between 2012 and 2019.
