Chelsea Charged with 74 FA Breaches Over Agent and Third-Party Matters

The Football Association has formally charged Chelsea with 74 alleged breaches relating to agents and third-party ownership connected to past transfers. The case was opened after suspicious payments, reportedly tied to signings including Eden Hazard, Willian and Samuel Eto’o, prompted concern from the club’s current ownership and encouraged an FA inquiry.

“The Football Association has today charged Chelsea FC with breaches of Regulations J1 and C2 of The FA Football Agents Regulations, Regulations A2 and A3 of The FA Regulations on Working with Intermediaries, and Regulations A1 and B3 of The FA Third Party Investment in Players Regulations,” a statement read.

“In total, 74 charges have been brought against Chelsea FC. The conduct that is the subject of the charges ranges from 2009 to 2022 and primarily relates to events which occurred between the 2010–11 to 2015–16 playing seasons.

“Chelsea FC has until 19 September 2025 to respond.”

Chelsea has acknowledged the situation and says the matters were self-reported following scrutiny during its change of ownership. “Chelsea FC is pleased to confirm that its engagement with The FA concerning matters that were self-reported by the club is now reaching a conclusion,” a Chelsea statement responded.

“The Club’s ownership group completed its purchase of the club on 30 May 2022. During a thorough due diligence process prior to completion of the purchase, the ownership group became aware of potentially incomplete financial reporting concerning historical transactions and other potential breaches of FA rules. Immediately upon the completion of the purchase, the Club self-reported these matters to all relevant regulators, including The FA.

“The Club has demonstrated unprecedented transparency during this process, including by giving comprehensive access to the Club’s files and historical data. We will continue working collaboratively with The FA to conclude this matter as swiftly as possible. We wish to place on record our gratitude to The FA for their engagement with the Club on this complex case, the focus of which has been on matters that took place over a decade ago.”

Chelsea officials are reported to be negotiating a settlement with the Premier League, as they did with UEFA over similar concerns in 2023. According to The Guardian, there is confidence any punishment would be financial rather than a points deduction or transfer ban. Rival clubs are described as “sympathetic” to the situation and aware BlueCo are not to blame for past conduct.