An employee of Chelsea has confessed to misusing her role to steal over £200,000 (approximately $264,000) from the club.
Claire Walsh, 39, entered a guilty plea at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday for fraud by abuse of position committed between June 8, 2019, and October 23, 2023.
As an assistant treasury manager at the Premier League team, Walsh acknowledged illegally exploiting her position to embezzle £208,521.65.
When asked how she pleaded, Walsh, residing in Elm Park Gardens, Chelsea, replied with “guilty.”
Magistrate Kieran O’Donnell informed Walsh: “You are being charged with fraud exceeding £200,000 against Chelsea Football Club. Your guilty plea exceeds our sentencing capabilities.”
“You will have to be referred to a crown court for sentencing, where the appropriate powers exist.”
A court clerk informed Walsh that the allegations against her included “fraud in that, while holding the position of assistant treasury manager, where you were expected to protect the financial interests of Chelsea Football Club, you knowingly misused that position to gain £208,521.65 for yourself.”
Walsh has been released on unconditional bail and will be sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on a date yet to be determined.