Chelsea edging closer to verdict on FA case as 74 charges hearing nears conclusion
Chelsea are set to discover their fate as The FA moves toward wrapping up its disciplinary process into 74 charges levelled against the club for alleged historic financial and agent-related breaches committed during the Roman Abramovich era.
The investigation, which Chelsea themselves brought to light during the 2022 takeover by the BlueCo ownership group, centres on claims of undeclared payments to agents, use of unregistered intermediaries and other violations linked to third-party investment.
The new owners flagged the concerns after uncovering irregular financial records during due diligence before completing their purchase.
According to The Times, the FA’s disciplinary panel is expected to conclude proceedings this week, paving the way for a long-awaited verdict. While the possibility of a point’s deduction has not been excluded should the charges be upheld, the club is reportedly braced for a financial penalty rather than a sporting sanction. Chelsea would appeal any deduction imposed.
Former owner Abramovich and ex-director Marina Granovskaia are not expected to face action, as neither currently operates within English football and therefore falls outside FA jurisdiction.
Chelsea previously confirmed in a September statement that they had cooperated fully throughout the investigation, stressing that new ownership has allowed “unprecedented transparency” and full access to historical records. The club reiterated that the issues under scrutiny date back more than a decade.
Since BlueCo’s arrival, the club has undergone sweeping transformation. Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have championed a long-term, sustainability-driven recruitment model, moving away from Abramovich’s big-name-focused strategy. The approach has attracted criticism for its high turnover and aggressive squad building, but early signs show the system beginning to stabilise.
Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea sit fourth in the Premier League and have returned to the Champions League while lifting the Europa Conference League trophy. Their transfer strategy has also begun to generate significant revenue, assisting with compliance under Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The club spent £296.5m last summer but recouped £314.4m, finishing the window with a small net profit.
New Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) regulations are set to replace PSR in future seasons, potentially reshaping how Chelsea operates. But for now, the club remains confident in its revamped structure and awaits the FA’s decision on a case that could shape the next phase of its rebuild.
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