Chelsea escape points deduction over Roman Abramovich secret payments | OneFootball

Chelsea will likely avoid a points deduction following the Premier League’s investigation into historic financial irregularities under Roman Abramovich’s ownership, according to the Telegraph.

The inquiry began after Chelsea’s current owners reported discrepancies identified soon after the Clearlake Capital-Todd Boehly-led consortium’s takeover in May 2022.

Sources suggest that negotiations between Chelsea and Premier League officials are progressing towards a financial settlement, with an agreement expected within weeks.

Insiders indicate the club is unlikely to face a points sanction.

The investigation has focused on offshore payments linked to the transfers of Willian and Samuel Eto’o during Abramovich’s tenure.

Both players joined Chelsea in August 2013 from Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala. Willian signed for £30 million, and Eto’o moved to London on a free transfer.

Payments to Russian entities were reportedly made as part of these deals, although there is no suggestion that either player was aware of such transactions.

Before Chelsea’s £2.5 billion sale in 2022, concerns over potential financial breaches prompted a £100m reduction in the purchase price to account for unforeseen liabilities.

Despite the new ownership’s initial dismissal of sustainability risks, they voluntarily disclosed financial irregularities from 2012 to 2019 to the FA, Premier League and UEFA, triggering the current investigation.

The Premier League’s probe has examined millions of pounds paid to around six offshore entities. Under its regulations, the league can impose fines or deduct points for financial misconduct.

Chelsea released a statement declaring that the allegations pertain to the club’s former ownership and do not involve current personnel.

Chelsea have also escaped Premier League scrutiny under the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) despite shelling out more than £1bn since the arrival of the Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly consortium.

Loosening the purse strings recklessly has not pulled Chelsea out of mediocrity, with the club currently winless in their last five league games.