Key Takeaways:
- The Football Association has charged Chelsea with 74 alleged breaches relating to payments to agents between 2009 and 2022
- The majority of charges concern financial activities during the 2010/11 to 2015/16 seasons
- Chelsea have until 19 September to formally respond to the FA’s allegations
FA Brings Serious Allegations Against Chelsea
Chelsea Football Club have been hit with 74 charges from the Football Association, centring on suspected infractions involving payments to agents across the period spanning 2009 to 2022. The focus of these allegations lies primarily in the club’s financial transactions involving agents, intermediaries, and third-party investors, particularly throughout the 2010/11 to 2015/16 seasons.
BREAKING: 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. pic.twitter.com/m1UVme1x4x
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 11, 2025
Background: Abramovich Era Under Scrutiny
Roman Abramovich, the Russian business magnate, maintained ownership of Chelsea from 2003 until 2022, when the club was sold to a consortium led by American investor Todd Boehly and a private equity fund. The investigation targets conduct that allegedly occurred under Abramovich’s stewardship, with regulatory attention turning to financial processes within those key years.
Chelsea’s New Ownership Responds
After acquiring Chelsea, the new ownership group undertook a rigorous financial review. According to a club statement:
“During an extensive due diligence process preceding the completion of the purchase, the new ownership identified potentially incomplete financial records regarding transactions and other possible violations of FA rules,” reads a statement from Chelsea.
“Immediately after the completion of the purchase, the club itself reported these matters to all relevant regulatory authorities, including the FA. The club has demonstrated unprecedented transparency throughout this process, including by providing full access to club files and historical data,” the statement continued.
Next Steps for the Club
Chelsea have been given until 19 September to answer the charges put forward by the Football Association. The investigation and its outcomes will be closely followed by both football fans and data analysts, given the scale and significance of the alleged breaches.
