Chelsea FC Fined £10.75M, Faces Transfer Ban Over Irregularities

Chelsea FC has been fined £10.75 million and imposed with a two-year transfer ban due to irregular payments made between 2011 and 2018 during Roman Abramovich's ownership. The Premier League has suspended the club for nine months from making academy transfers, effective immediately.

These irregularities in youth player registrations occurred between 2019 and 2022 and were uncovered during the due diligence process when Chelsea's new American owner acquired the club in 2022. Chelsea voluntarily reported these irregularities to the Premier League, FA, and UEFA, describing it as a proactive self-report.

At least six payments to offshore companies related to player transfers, including those involving Eden Hazard, Samuel Eto'o, and Andreas Christensen, were not included in the club's financial records at the time. Chelsea previously faced a £10 million fine in 2023 for incomplete financial reporting under the previous ownership.

Despite these sanctions, Chelsea is allowed to sign players in the upcoming summer and winter transfer windows, provided no further breaches occur.