Chelsea face FA charges over 74 alleged rule breaches | OneFootball

Chelsea have been formally charged by the Football Association after uncovering a series of alleged rule breaches that date back to Roman Abramovich’s ownership of the club.

The Blues are facing 74 charges in total, with the bulk of them concerning payments linked to agents, intermediaries and third-party involvement in player deals. Most of the issues in question relate to the period between the 2010/11 and 2015/16 seasons, though the FA has flagged alleged breaches stretching from 2009 right through to 2022.

What makes this case particularly unusual is that Chelsea themselves appear to have brought these matters to light. During the sale of the club in 2022, when Abramovich handed over to Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, the new owners’ due diligence unearthed irregularities. The findings were then passed on, which has led to the charges now being pursued.

Chelsea have until 19 September to respond. Possible punishments vary widely - ranging from a straightforward fine to harsher measures such as a transfer ban or even a points deduction. However, the FA is expected to consider the club’s co-operation in how it ultimately decides to proceed.

Abramovich ran Chelsea from 2003 until 2022, a period that delivered huge success on the pitch but has since been overshadowed by scrutiny of the way certain deals were conducted off it.