Chelsea received 74 charges from the FA: what threatens the club with the Abramovich scandal.

Chelsea faces 74 charges

According to The Sun: Chelsea is facing 74 charges regarding potential illegal payments to agents, which could have serious consequences for the club.

These violations were discovered by the club's new owners Todd Boehly, Behdad Eghbali and their consortium Clearlake during the acquisition process in May 2022.

The owners informed the FA, UEFA and the Premier League about this information at that time.

UEFA and Chelsea reached an 'agreement' for £8.6 million in 2023, but the Premier League investigation is ongoing.

The Premier League is also expected to impose a fine on the club, although some rivals have called for more severe punishment.

The Premier League investigation was launched in 2023 after information surfaced about a series of secret payments sanctioned by Abramovich without the knowledge of other club executives.

Key points of the charges

Initially, the investigation focused on payments related to the transfers of Samuel Eto'o and Willian in 2013, as well as the signing of Eden Hazard in 2012.

It was noted that Willian and Hazard were in Tottenham's interest, but ultimately moved to Stamford Bridge.

The charges concern 'off-the-books' payments approved by the former owner to facilitate player signings.

What punishment could Chelsea face?

If Chelsea is found guilty of all 74 charges, the club will likely receive a fine and may be banned from making transfers for a certain period.There is also a risk of points deduction.

Official statement

In a statement published at Wembley, it is noted:

“The Football Association today charged Chelsea FC with violations of rules J1 and C2 of the FA regulations and rules A2 and A3 of the FA regulations regarding dealings with intermediaries, as well as rules A1 and B3 of the FA regulations regarding third-party investments in players. A total of 74 charges have been brought against Chelsea FC. The actions forming the basis of the charges occurred from 2009 to 2022, and the final deadline pertains to events that took place in the playing seasons 2010-11 to 2015-16. Chelsea FC has until September 19, 2025, to respond.”

Chelsea's response

In a statement on Chelsea's official website, it is noted:

“Chelsea FC is pleased to report that its cooperation with the FA regarding issues that were independently raised by the club is nearing completion. The group of club owners finalized the purchase of the club on May 30, 2022. During a thorough due diligence process prior to the completion of the deal, the ownership group identified potentially incomplete financial reports concerning historical transactions and other possible FA rule violations. Immediately following the completion of the deal, the club voluntarily disclosed these issues to all relevant regulators, including the FA. The club has demonstrated unprecedented transparency during this process, including granting comprehensive access to club files and historical data. We will continue to work collaboratively with the FA to resolve this matter as quickly as possible. We would like to express our gratitude to the FA for their engagement with the club in this complex matter, which encompasses issues that occurred more than ten years ago.”

This situation puts the club in a difficult position, as 74 charges could lead to significant consequences. It is particularly important how the club responds to these challenges, as their reputation and financial stability may be at risk. Attention on this matter will remain high as the Premier League continues its investigation while the club seeks to resolve the issue with regulators.