Chelsea hit with 74 charges for breaches during Abramovich ownership

Photo by Nahi Khabar 24/7 – via Personal Collection

English football club Chelsea have been hit with 74 charges by the Premier League over alleged financial breaches during the ownership of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.

According to reports, the charges relate to undisclosed payments made between 2012 and 2019, including alleged hidden funding to managers and players. The investigation followed documents released in the “Football Leaks” files, which prompted a deeper review of the club’s financial conduct.

The Premier League confirmed that Chelsea failed to disclose full details of financial transactions during the Abramovich years. The case is expected to be referred to an independent commission, which could hand down severe penalties ranging from heavy fines to potential points deductions.

Chelsea’s current owners, who took over in 2022, have already acknowledged the irregularities, saying they voluntarily reported the findings after reviewing past financial records. They stressed that the breaches occurred under the previous ownership and that the club is cooperating fully with the inquiry.

Abramovich, who bought Chelsea in 2003, oversaw a hugely successful period for the club, winning numerous Premier League and Champions League titles. However, his ownership ended in 2022 after UK government sanctions linked him to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Football experts believe the outcome of this case could set a precedent for financial transparency in English football, especially as regulators push for stricter rules on club ownership and spending.