Exclusive: Chelsea points deduction edges closer amid update today
Chelsea are likely to land a points deduction if they are proven to have gained a sporting advantage after being charged by the FA, sources have told Football Insider.
Chelsea have been under investigation since BlueCo, which is spearheaded by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, took over the club from Roman Abramovich in May 2022.
The London giants reported themselves to the Premier League, Uefa and the FA after discovering during the takeover process “incomplete financial information” had been submitted to the football authorities between 2012 and 2019.
Chelsea were charged by the FA on Thursday (11 September) with 74 alleged rule breaches relating to payments to agents between 2009 and 2022, while events between the 2010-11 to 2015-16 seasons are the primary focus.
If the charges are upheld, sources say Chelsea’s penalty will revolve around whether it can be established they gained a sporting advantage, with a points deduction the most likely outcome should that be the case.
Chelsea could face ‘serious’ punishment
In a statement responding to the charges, Chelsea said: “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.”
Chelsea reached an £8.7million settlement with Uefa in July 2023 due to the governing body having a statute of limitations that meant it was able to look back only as far as the 2018-19 season.
It was revealed earlier this year Chelsea were in talks with the Premier League over agreeing a financial settlement for the payments, with the top flight’s investigation still ongoing.
In terms of the FA charges, the Blues have until 19 September to respond.
Finance expert Stefan Borson previously told Football Insider Chelsea could face a “serious” punishment if they were charged following their alleged breaches.
However, it is believed there will be mitigation over any potential punishment due to the change in ownership and cooperation from the club throughout the investigation.
Nottingham Forest were due to receive a six-point deduction in March 2024 for breaching the profit and sustainability rules (PSR), but that penalty was reduced to four points following their early plea and cooperation.
Premier League clubs to demand Chelsea points deduction
It’s so far unclear precisely which events the FA charges relate to for Chelsea.
The Times reported in April Manchester United missed out on signing Eden Hazard in 2012 after they refused to pay his agent, John Bico, a secret multi-million-pound payment, which would have breached the governing body’s rules.
The newspaper said a Premier League investigation was continuing into allegations an offshore company belonging to Abramovich made a £6m payment in 2013 to Bico via a Dubai firm after Chelsea signed Hazard for £32m from Lille in 2012.
The former Blues winger registered 110 goals and 88 assists in 352 appearances at Stamford Bridge, where he claimed six trophies before joining Real Madrid in a £130m deal in 2019.
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider Premier League clubs will demand Chelsea are deducted points due to the nature of the Hazard allegations.
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