FA Files 74 Charges Against Chelsea Over Alleged Breaches Of Agent Rules

The Football Association has filed 74 charges against Chelsea for alleged breaches of agent payment rules spanning from 2009 to 2022.

According to the FA, most of the allegations focus on the period between the 2010/11 and 2015/16 seasons.

Chelsea’s finances during that period were overseen by Roman Abramovich, who owned the club from 2003 until its sale in May 2022 to a consortium led by American businessman Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

Chelsea, which has until September 19 to respond to the charges, said it welcomed the progress being made in discussions with the FA regarding issues the club itself had reported.

The current ownership explained that during the due diligence process before the takeover, they identified irregularities in financial reporting linked to past transactions and reported the matter to the FA and other relevant regulators.

In a statement, the club said they were “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 May 30, 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.”

Chelsea stressed it had “demonstrated unprecedented transparency” and pledged to continue cooperating with the authorities.

This is not the first time Chelsea has faced scrutiny over its financial dealings. In July 2023, the club agreed to pay UEFA €10 million (£8.6 million) after admitting to incomplete financial reporting under Abramovich’s ownership. UEFA confirmed the disclosure came directly from Chelsea’s new management.

Abramovich himself has faced international sanctions. The UK government froze his assets in March 2022, shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, describing him as a close ally of Vladimir Putin, an allegation he has denied.

Earlier this year, the government threatened legal action to seize the £2.5 billion proceeds from the sale of Chelsea, insisting the funds be used to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

Abramovich, however, has argued that any relief should extend to victims on both sides of the conflict.

KanyiDaily recalls that Roman Abramovich was effectively barred from living in the United Kingdom after he was named as one of the ‘key enablers’ of Putin’s regime.