The English FA suspends Chelsea for two transfer windows and imposes a financial fine

The English Football League imposed a fine of £10 million on Chelsea FC, along with a suspended transfer ban for two transfer windows, for breaching rules on player agents. A previous independent panel had initially imposed a suspended six-point deduction, which was later overturned and replaced with the suspended transfer ban.

Chelsea admitted to 74 violations of English Football League regulations concerning player agents, dealings with intermediaries, and third-party investments in players. The club’s new owners voluntarily reported these breaches to football authorities in 2022, while finalizing the acquisition of the club from its former owner, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.

The independent panel hearing the case initially handed down a six-point deduction, suspended until June 30, 2027, but the club appealed the decision. The Appeal Panel replaced the points deduction with a ban on registering new players for two transfer windows, with the sanction suspended.

Chelsea issued a statement welcoming the “final decision” in the matter. The statement read: “In 2022, the club self-reported potential historical breaches of the rules to all relevant regulatory bodies. Since that report, the club has worked openly and transparently with all regulators, including voluntarily and proactively disclosing thousands of documents.” It added: “The club is pleased to confirm that, following the conclusion of the English Football League’s proceedings, this brings to an end all regulatory action relating to the club.”