Chelsea has been fined £10 million ($13 million) and given a suspended transfer ban for two transfer windows after admitting to 74 violations of Football Association agents’ regulations.
Initially, the club faced a suspended six-point deduction along with the fine, but after a successful appeal, this points penalty was replaced with a suspended transfer ban, effective until June 30, 2027. The FA reserves the right to activate the ban if Chelsea commits further violations before that date.
Chelsea was charged by the FA in September for infractions related to regulations regarding agents, working with intermediaries, and third-party player investments.
The club’s current ownership self-reported these breaches to football authorities in 2022, during their acquisition of the club from Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.
While the independent commission that initially reviewed the case imposed a suspended six-point deduction until June 30, 2027, Chelsea appealed this decision.
The club has already reached sanction settlements concerning this issue with both the Premier League and UEFA.
According to a statement from the FA, “Chelsea FC admitted to the 74 violations of FA Rule E1.2 prior to a hearing. The independent Regulatory Commission imposed a six-point deduction, effective until June 30, 2027, alongside a £10 million fine.”
The FA continued, “Chelsea appealed against the suspended points deduction, and an independent Appeal Board has granted the appeal and revoked this sanction following an additional hearing. In its place, the Appeal Board has imposed a suspended registration ban for two complete and consecutive transfer windows, also effective until June 30, 2027.”
The FA noted that it is “continuing to investigate individual misconduct arising from this case.”
The £10 million fine will be allocated to grassroots football initiatives.
Chelsea released a statement expressing satisfaction with the resolution: “In 2022, the club self-reported potential historical rule breaches to all relevant regulators. Following this, the club has collaborated openly and transparently with all regulators, voluntarily disclosing thousands of documents.”
The club is “pleased to confirm that, with the conclusion of the FA process, all regulatory proceedings against the club are now complete.”
This report incorporates information from PA.