FA slams Chelsea with 74 charges for breaching agent rules

Chelsea have been hit with 74 charges related to alleged breaches of agent regulations by the Football Association (FA)

The FA said the charges span the period between 2009 and 2022, when the club were owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, and primarily relate to events which occurred between the 2010/11 and 2015/16 seasons.

Chelsea have until September 19 to respond to the charges.

Abramovich transformed Chelsea’s fortunes after buying the west London club in 2003.

He sold the Blues in May 2022 to a consortium led by American investor Todd Boehly and private equity firm Clearlake Capital.

Chelsea issued a statement saying: “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.

“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.”

Premier League summer spending surpasses record £3bn

Chelsea said they had “demonstrated unprecedented transparency” and would continue working with the FA.

There will not be a points deduction or sporting sanction if the charges are upheld, but Chelsea could face a punishment similar to their recent settlement with UEFA, a €10 million fine.

In July 2023, Chelsea agreed a resolution with European football’s governing body to hand over 10 million euros ($11.7 million, £8.6 million) after owning up to “incomplete financial reporting” under the Abramovich regime.

UEFA said it had been “proactively” approached with the information by Chelsea’s new ownership group.

Abramovich was sanctioned by the British government in March 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

He was described by ministers as part of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle but has denied financial ties to the Kremlin.

In June 2025, the British government threatened the former Chelsea owner with legal action over the frozen £2.5 billion generated from the sale of the club.

Ministers want the funds to be directed towards humanitarian purposes in Ukraine, but the oligarch insists they be used for all victims of the conflict, including in Russia.

The Star