When BlueCo took over ownership of Chelsea, they had discovered some that some (potentially) shady incomplete (definitely shady) financial reporting had taken place regarding certain transactions during the Roman Abramovich era. I know, we were all very very shocked.
As a result, BlueCo set aside about £100m of the net £2.3b transaction (most of which are still waiting to be given over to charity, as they were supposed to be, mind) to cover “unforeseen liabilities”. A couple years ago, €10m of that
were used to settle these things with UEFA.
But we knew that The FA will want their cut as well, and though it’s taken them over two years, and they’re making this a much more public process, they have finally submitted their demands: 74 charges, with a “similar” settlement expected as with UEFA.
Since The FA have made a big show of this, dramatic headlines have already followed. You’re welcome, football, for some late-window excitement during this boring international break!
The Football Association has today charged Chelsea FC with breaches 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.
In total, 74 charges have been brought against Chelsea FC. The conduct that is the subject of the charges ranges from 2009 to 2022 and primarily relates to events which occurred between the 2010/11 to 2015/16 playing seasons.
Chelsea FC has until 19 September 2025 to respond.
The FA make no mention of Chelsea’s cooperation — and certainly no mention of Chelsea owning up to these potential irregularities from a previous era in the first place — which the club have, in turn, highlighted in our official statement.
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.
It’s unclear when any official settlement may be reached here, but given how long it’s taken The FA to drum up these charges based on wholly self-reported information, I wouldn’t be holding my breath for any sort of speedy resolution.
Also, it sounds like the Premier League themselves will want their cut as well. That “investigation” is still ongoing.
Plenty left to go around from that £100m; come one, come all!
