Key Takeaways:
- Earlier this month, Chelsea were charged by the FA with 74 alleged breaches of agent regulations spanning from 2009 to 2022
- Jose Mourinho, who managed Chelsea for five of those years, refused to comment on the charges during his Champions League press conference
- Mourinho’s Benfica side are set to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in his fourth match in charge
Background to Chelsea’s Recent FA Charges
The Football Association announced earlier this month that Chelsea face 74 charges concerning purported violations of agents and third-party player investment regulations. The alleged infractions span from 2009 through 2022, specifically pinpointing events between the 2010-11 and 2015-16 seasons. The charges have been documented as breaches of regulations J1 and C2 of the FA Football Agent regulations, regulations A2 and A3 concerning intermediaries, and regulations A1 and B3 regarding third-party investment in players. The FA emphasised that “conduct that is the subject of the charges ranges from 2009 to 2022 and finality relates to events which occurred between the 2010-11 [and] the 2015-16 playing seasons.”
Jose Mourinho on Chelsea's 74 charges: "Not#ManCity?
I have no idea about it. I have no idea about what the charges are. I do not try to understand…” pic.twitter.com/ol081KyORv
— City Report (@cityreport_) September 29, 2025
Mourinho’s Response During Pre-Match Press Conference
Jose Mourinho, who oversaw Chelsea for five of the years under scrutiny, faced questions regarding the array of charges while preparing Benfica for a Champions League fixture at Stamford Bridge. When asked if it would be unfair to penalise Chelsea or possibly revoke honours due to the off-field allegations, Mourinho was reluctant to engage, instead referencing another club embroiled in regulatory issues. His terse reply was: “Not Man City?”
Manchester City have also been subject to an FA inquiry, charged with 115 regulatory breaches early in 2023, with a three-month hearing held from September to December last year. A verdict has not been delivered.
Pressed further about the situation, Mourinho distanced himself from his former club’s legal entanglements, stating: “I have no idea about it. I have no idea of what the charges are. I will try to understand it.”
Mourinho’s Legacy at Stamford Bridge and Current Challenge
Mourinho enjoyed considerable triumph at Chelsea, securing three Premier League titles, an FA Cup and three League Cups during his two terms. Throughout his managerial career, he has also led clubs such as Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur.
Now, at the helm of Benfica, Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge for his fourth match in charge, aiming to put the spotlight back on the pitch and increase the pressure on Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca.
| Key Timeline | Details |
|---|---|
| 2009-2022 | Time period of Chelsea’s alleged FA regulation breaches |
| 2010-11 to 2015-16 | Playing seasons highlighted in the FA’s statement |
| Earlier this month | FA announced 74 charges against Chelsea |
| September-December last year | Manchester City’s FA hearing period for 115 charges |
