The Football Association has charged Chelsea with 74 alleged breaches of its rules relating to payments to agents between 2009 and 2022.
According to the FA, the charges primarily concern transactions between the 2010/11 and 2015/16 seasons. The Premier League club has been given until September 19 to respond.
Chelsea, then owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, enjoyed huge success following his 2003 takeover. Abramovich sold the west London club in May 2022 to a consortium led by American investor Todd Boehly and private equity firm Clearlake Capital.
In a statement, Chelsea said it was “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 added:
“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 said it had shown “unprecedented transparency” and would continue to cooperate fully.
In July 2023, the club agreed a settlement with UEFA, paying €10 million (£8.6m) after admitting to “incomplete financial reporting” under the Abramovich regime. European football’s governing body confirmed Chelsea’s new ownership had proactively provided the information.
Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government in March 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Ministers described him as part of President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle, a claim he denies.
Earlier this year, the government threatened legal action over the frozen £2.5 billion proceeds from the sale of Chelsea. While ministers want the money directed to Ukraine relief, Abramovich has argued it should support all victims of the conflict, including those in Russia.
