The FA said the charges center on dealings with player agents, intermediaries and third-party investment in players. Most of the alleged breaches occurred between the 2010-2011 and 2015-2016 seasons, a period of significant spending for Chelsea in the transfer market.

Chelsea fans before the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final against PSG at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, 13/7/2025. Photo: Reuters

Chelsea fans before the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final against PSG at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, 13/7/2025. Photo: Reuters

In a statement, the FA outlined Chelsea's alleged violations of regulations concerning agents, intermediaries, and third-party investment. These regulations aim to prevent external individuals or organizations from directly influencing player and club interests and ensure transparency in transfers.

The west London club has until September 19 to respond. Given the numerous charges, the FA has indicated a possible extension for Chelsea's preparations.

Chelsea stated that the matter relates solely to Abramovich's ownership. "During the due diligence process prior to the acquisition, the new ownership identified potential historical financial reporting irregularities and regulatory violations," Chelsea's statement read. "Upon taking over, we proactively reported these concerns to all relevant governing bodies, including the FA."

Chelsea emphasized their "unprecedented transparency" in providing complete data and historical records to the FA, while actively collaborating for a swift resolution. "We appreciate the FA's cooperation in this complex matter, which focuses on issues from over a decade ago," the statement continued.

These charges are the latest consequence of Abramovich's forced departure from Chelsea in 2022. The Russian billionaire's assets were frozen by the UK government due to his ties with the Kremlin after Russia's military campaign in Ukraine. Shortly after, he was removed as Chelsea's chairman and forced to sell the club.

In May 2022, the investment group BlueCo, led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, completed the Chelsea acquisition. In 2023, UEFA fined Chelsea 11.6 million USD after the club self-reported incomplete financial reporting during Abramovich's tenure. In July 2025, UEFA imposed an additional 36.5 million USD fine for violating Financial Fair Play regulations.

The potential penalties Chelsea faces from the FA remain unclear. A fine is almost certain given the severity of the charges. More severe sanctions, such as point deductions or transfer restrictions, are also possible.

Prior to Chelsea, Manchester City faced 115 financial fair play charges, which later increased to 130.

The allegations against Man City stemmed from a 2018 Der Spiegel investigation, revealing leaked emails concerning the club's finances. The Premier League then launched a multi-year investigation. In February 2023, they announced Man City had breached over 100 financial fair play regulations, primarily between 2009 and 2018.

Man City was accused of providing inaccurate financial information, concealing a manager's actual remuneration for four years, and failing to comply with UEFA's FFP regulations for five years.

The Etihad club vehemently denied any wrongdoing, claiming irrefutable evidence to support their stance. However, unlike UEFA, the Premier League does not apply a statute of limitations in its investigations, so the entire period from 2009 remains under scrutiny. Man City's 12-week hearing before an independent commission, spanning September to December 2024, awaits a final verdict.

If found guilty, Man City could face various penalties, from point deductions and fines to expulsion from the Premier League. These penalties are expected to be more severe than those faced by Chelsea.

Compiled by Hoang An