Premier League Club Chelsea in Hot Water

TIYANI WA KA MABASA|September 11, 2025

HOT WATER: Chelsea faces a potential fine or transfer ban after the Football Association charged the club with 74 alleged breaches of agent regulations and third-party investment rules. Photo: Supplied

Chelsea have been handed 74 charges by the Football Association over alleged breaches of agent regulations and third-party investment rules between 2009 and 2022.

A statement from the FA reads: “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.”

These alleged breaches occurred when Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich was owner of the club, with Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital taking over in May 2022. Chelsea have released a statement in response.

“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.”

Chelsea could now face a big fine or a transfer ban.