Chelsea Close to Verdict on 74 FA Charges After Hearing Ends

Chelsea are waiting for a verdict after the FA completed its hearing into 74 charges for alleged breaches of agent regulations during the Roman Abramovich era.

What Are Chelsea Accused Of?

Chelsea are facing 74 FA charges relating to alleged breaches of agent rules between 2009 and 2022, with most cases centred on transfers from 2010 to 2016.

The accusations include undeclared payments to agents, the use of unregistered intermediaries and breaches of third-party ownership rules.

The case also covers payments linked to the signings of Eden Hazard, Willian and Samuel Eto’o, which were discovered when the Todd Boehly-Clearlake consortium took over the club in 2022.

Why the Chelsea FA Investigation Began

Chelsea voluntarily reported the payments to the FA, Premier League and UEFA after finding the irregularities during the takeover process.

UEFA fined the club €10m in 2023 for incomplete financial reporting, but could only act on cases within its five-year limit.

The FA does not have such a restriction, meaning it can examine activity across the full Abramovich period.

What Happened During the Chelsea FA Hearing?

An independent regulatory commission has now concluded its hearing, although it remains unclear when a final verdict will be published.

The FA has presented the case, but the commission alone will decide the outcome and any sanctions.

What Penalties Could Chelsea Face?

Chelsea hope their self-reporting will lead to a financial penalty rather than a sporting one.

The club’s new owners set aside £150m during the takeover to cover potential fines.

However, the commission has the power to impose harsher sanctions, including a transfer ban or a points deduction.

Chelsea would almost certainly appeal any sporting punishment.

Why the Hazard Transfer Is Central to the Case

It seems that these undeclared payments may have helped Chelsea get certain major transfers over the line.

Manchester United were close to signing Eden Hazard in 2012, agreeing a fee with Lille and personal terms with the player.

The move collapsed when Hazard’s then-agent, John Bico, demanded a secret multimillion-pound fee.

United refused the payment, and there is no suggestion Hazard was aware of the request.

It is now alleged that in 2013, an offshore company linked to Abramovich made a €7m payment to Bico via a Dubai-based intermediary.

Further Payments Linked to Willian and Eto’o

Chelsea were also investigated for payments made around the 2013 arrivals of Willian and Eto’o from Anzhi Makhachkala.

Records suggest money may have been sent to Russian entities not declared as part of the official transfer documentation.

There is no suggestion either player knew about any additional payments.

Will the New Owners Be Punished for Old Regime Actions?

A key issue for the commission is whether the current ownership should face punishment for activity carried out under Abramovich and former transfer director Marina Granovskaia.

Neither remains involved in football and therefore falls outside the FA’s jurisdiction.

Chelsea fans have defended the club and turned their anger to the governing body, arguing that the club shouldn’t be punished after self-reporting the payments.

Chelsea’s Position on the Charges

In a statement last year, Chelsea said they had provided “unprecedented transparency”, including full access to historical files and financial data.

The club remains confident that cooperation will be reflected in the commission’s ruling.