FA Sets Deadline for Chelsea to Respond to Charges

The Football Association (FA) has levied 74 charges against Chelsea, alleging breaches of regulations pertaining to football agents, intermediaries, and third-party investments in players. The FA communicated the charges on Thursday.

While the specifics of the charges have not been disclosed by the FA, Chelsea acknowledged that the issues were ‘self-reported’ by the club’s new ownership, which assumed control in May 2022.

According to the FA’s statement, the charges concern activities spanning from 2009 to 2022.

The FA stated that the period in question extends from 2009 to 2022, with the primary focus on events occurring during the 2010-11 to 2015-16 seasons.

During this period, the club was under the ownership of Roman Abramovich, a Russian businessman. Abramovich initiated the sale of Chelsea in 2022 following sanctions related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Abramovich, who acquired Chelsea in 2003, divested the club to an investment consortium headed by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

Chelsea indicated that the ownership group identified potential rule infringements and subsequently self-reported them after finalizing the purchase.

Chelsea released a statement saying that during a comprehensive due diligence process before the purchase was finalized, the ownership group found potentially incomplete financial reporting related to past transactions and other possible breaches of FA rules.

Chelsea also said that immediately after the purchase, the club proactively reported these issues to all relevant regulatory bodies, including the FA.

Chelsea claims to have demonstrated unparalleled transparency throughout this process, including granting full access to the club’s files and historical data.

Chelsea added that they will continue to collaborate with the FA to resolve this matter as efficiently as possible.

The FA has granted Chelsea until September 19 to respond to the charges.

Reports indicate Chelsea shared their financial records with the FA, enabling the football governing body to render informed judgments regarding historical payments.

The specifics of the accusations or the alleged irregular payments remain undisclosed; however, indications suggest they pertain to the men’s team.