Chelsea could face Premier League points deduction after alleged ‘secret payments’
Chelsea set to face Premier League points deduction as questions are raised over their success under former owner Roman Abramovich.
Several leaked documents show a string of payments that potentially breached Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.
The Guardian, along with a group of international outlets including the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) and Germany’s Paper Trail Media have uncovered files relating to a series of payments spread out over a decade.
These transactions are believed to be for Chelsea’s benefit, with some questioning whether the governing bodies were made aware of the accounts.
According to reports, those who benefited from the payments include the agent of former Chelsea winger Eden Hazard, associate of manager Antonio Conte and Chelsea FC officials.
Chelsea’s leaked files raise questions over former owner Roman Abramovich
The Premier League are already investigating the matter for the period between 2012 and 2019. New ownership, including BlueCo.’s Todd Boehly, reported that they found ‘incomplete financial information’ submitted under Abramovich.
Moreover, UEFA have already fined Chelsea £8.6 million and the Guardian report that the Football Association is also looking into the accounts at Stamford Bridge.
Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea for £140m in 2003 and quickly flooded the club with cash in a relentless push for success.
The club won four Premier League titles, two Champions League titles, the Europa League and several domestic trophies. However, Abramovich sold the club after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side will look to put some more points on the board after the international break after the threat of a points deduction. The Blues will face injury-hit Newcastle United on 25th November.
