EXPLAINER: Why the FA hit Chelsea with 74 charges

The Football Association has charged Chelsea FC with 74 alleged rule breaches linked to agent payments and financial dealings between 2009 and 2022.

The bulk of the allegations focus on transactions carried out during Roman Abramovich’s reign, particularly between the 2010-11 and 2015-16 seasons.

The charges centre on how Chelsea reported payments to intermediaries and third parties in ways that may have breached established financial regulations.

The charges

The bulk of these charges relate to payments involving agents, intermediaries, and third-party arrangements linked to player transfers between 2009 and 2022.

A closer look at the FA’s findings shows that the period between the 2010-11 and 2015-16 seasons is at the heart of the investigation.

Some of the high-profile transfers being examined include those of Eden Hazard, Samuel Eto’o and Willian. Importantly, the FA has clarified that there is no allegation of wrongdoing against the players themselves as the issues strictly concern how the deals were financed and reported.

The charges point to suspected irregularities in financial transactions that may have allowed Chelsea to gain a competitive advantage. Payments made outside the approved regulatory framework raise questions about whether the club breached rules designed to protect the game’s integrity.

Chelsea’s response

Responding to the charges, Chelsea made it clear that they are not contesting the investigation’s existence, but stressed that it was the new ownership group, led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, that first flagged the issues to the authorities.

According to Chelsea, potential irregularities were discovered during a due diligence review prior to the club’s purchase in May 2022.

Chelsea claim they immediately self-reported the findings to the FA and other relevant regulators, marking a sharp contrast from the opaque style often associated with Abramovich’s tenure.

By highlighting their proactive approach, the club aims to distance itself from the actions of the previous regime.

The club’s hierarchy has also emphasised their unprecedented transparency throughout the process. They say they provided regulators with complete access to historic records, financial data, and internal files, hoping to demonstrate good faith.

A club statement said: “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’s ownership group completed its purchase of the club on 30 May 2022. 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. 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. We will continue working collaboratively with The FA to conclude this matter as swiftly as possible. We wish to place on record our gratitude to The FA for their engagement with the club on this complex case, the focus of which has been on matters that took place over a decade ago.”

Abramovich in context

In August 2023, Premier League chief executive, Richard Masters said his organisation was investigating “historic” financial issues that the club had self-reported to the Premier League and to the FA.

In July 2023, Chelsea agreed a resolution with European football’s governing body to hand over £8.6m (€10m) after owning up to “incomplete financial reporting” under the Abramovich regime.

UEFA said it had been “proactively” approached with the information by Chelsea’s new ownership group.

The Premier League is also running its own investigation into possible breaches, focusing on deals involving players such as Samuel Eto’o and Willian. Both joined Chelsea from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013, during Abramovich’s stewardship.

The probe is still ongoing, meaning Chelsea could face further scrutiny and possible sanctions from multiple football authorities.

Roman Abramovich himself remains a key figure in the backdrop of these developments. The billionaire was sanctioned by the UK government in 2022 for alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin, allegations he has consistently denied.

He was granted a special licence to sell Chelsea but was barred from profiting personally from the £2.5bn sale.

Although the proceeds of that sale are still frozen in a UK account, Abramovich’s influence lingers in the revelations now surfacing.

Investigative reports, including the Cyprus Confidential leaks, have suggested financial ties linking him to controversial transactions and figures close to Putin. These allegations further fuel the perception that Chelsea’s past financial operations warrant close examination.

What happens next?

With Chelsea’s formal response due by 19 September, the FA will then decide how to proceed. A disciplinary panel could be convened to review the evidence, consider the club’s cooperation, and determine what sanctions, if any, should follow.

Possible punishments range widely. At the softer end, Chelsea could face fines or warnings. At the harsher end, sanctions could include a transfer ban or points deduction, penalties that would have a direct sporting impact. However, given the club’s openness in self-reporting and sharing information, industry insiders believe that severe measures are unlikely.

The FA is also under pressure to ensure consistency. Manchester City and Everton have also faced allegations of financial breaches, and observers will be watching closely to see whether Chelsea are treated in line with precedents set by those cases.

The footballing world will be paying attention to whether the FA enforces rules firmly or takes a more lenient stance because of Chelsea’s cooperation.

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