‘Financial fair play’ is a term that’s being heard of more often in football with the likes of Everton and Manchester City allegedly breaking the rules surrounding it. Chelsea is now the next club to be name dropped after alleged secret payments being made by former owner Roman Abramovich.
What are these ‘secret payments?’
Well respected newspaper The Guardian began an investigation looking into leaked files that reportedly contain evidence of secret payments that go up to tens of millions of pounds.
The way the payments that were being made were through ‘offshore vehicles’ that were owned by Abramovich.
Chelsea’s finances were already being looked at by the Premier League as part of an investigation covering the years from 2012 to 2019. The transactions that have been leaked by The Guardian could lead to the Premier League incorporating punishments such as fines or point deductions.
The investigation raised questions over whether this money was declared in official accounts, with it being alleged the transactions being made for the club’s benefit.
The beneficiaries appear to include Eden Hazard’s agent, an associate of ex-manager Antonio Conte, former club signings like Bertrand Traoré, Samuel Eto’o and Willian, as well as Chelsea FC officials.
Clive Betts MP, the chair of the all-party parliamentary group on football, said “It’s no use having FFP rules if you don’t enforce them, otherwise they’re a smokescreen for clubs spending as much money as they want,” he said.
Chelsea declined to speak on the matter.
Abramovich Chelsea history
Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003 and had a more than successful reign. His funding and input led to the Blues winning they five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, two Champions League titles and two Europa League titles, as well as the Club World Cup.
Abramovich was forced to sell the club to Todd Boehly in 2022 after he was sanctioned by the UK government amid Russia invading Ukraine.
Chelsea will still be hit with charges if the FA and the Premier League go through with any potential punishments despite the club being under new ownership.
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