FA Charges Chelsea with 74 Agent-Rule Breaches During Abramovich Era

The Football Association (FA) has officially lodged 74 separate charges against Chelsea Football Club, alleging breaches of regulations relating to agents, intermediaries and third-party investment spanning the years 2009 to 2022.


The alleged misconduct primarily concerns the seasons 2010-11 to 2015-16, during which the club was under the ownership of Roman Abramovich. Chelsea’s current owners, the Todd Boehly / Clearlake Capital consortium, discovered the potential regulatory issues during their due diligence process prior to finalising the 2022 acquisition.


Upon discovering the irregularities, the club self-reported its findings to all relevant governing bodies, including the FA, and has fully cooperated by providing access to historical records.


Chelsea has been given until 19 September 2025 to formally respond to the FA’s charges. Potential sanctions could include financial penalties, and while some pundits believe Chelsea’s transparency may spare them the harsher punishments such as transfer bans or points deductions, the club’s future depends on how the regulatory commission assesses the severity and impact of the alleged violations.


These charges add to a growing backdrop of regulatory scrutiny for Chelsea, following substantial penalties from UEFA for financial reporting irregularities earlier in 2025.

Share to: