Chelsea Football Club has been formally charged by the Football Association (FA) with 74 alleged breaches of financial regulations linked to payments made to agents, intermediaries, and third parties between 2009 and 2022.
The bulk of the allegations relate to dealings between the 2010/11 and 2015/16 seasons, during the tenure of former owner Roman Abramovich, who controlled the London club from 2003 until its sale in 2022 to a consortium led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
In a statement, Chelsea confirmed that they had self-reported the potential breaches, which came to light during the takeover process. The club now has until 19 September to respond to the charges.
“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,” Chelsea said.
“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.”
Possible sanctions range from hefty fines and transfer bans to points deductions, though Chelsea’s cooperation is expected to play a role in the FA’s final judgment.
This is not the first time the Blues have faced punishment for financial irregularities. In July 2023, UEFA imposed an £8.6m fine after it was revealed the club had submitted incomplete financial records between 2012 and 2019. Those issues were also disclosed by the new ownership.
The FA charges come alongside an ongoing Premier League investigation into potential financial breaches involving several transfers, including the high-profile arrivals of Samuel Eto’o and Willian from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013.
For now, the West London club awaits the FA’s verdict, with the potential for one of the most severe punishments ever handed down in English football.
🚨 OFFICIAL: Chelsea have been charged with 74 breaches of the FA’s Agent Regulation rules between 2009 and 2022 under Roman Abramovich.
Breaches relate primarily to the period 2010/11-2015/16. Chelsea have until 19 September to answer. pic.twitter.com/5NyoFf0lKf
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 11, 2025