Chelsea Nears Financial Settlement Over Abramovich-Era Transfer Payments

The club's new owners self-reported irregularities from the previous ownership, likely avoiding a points deduction.

Chelsea is negotiating a financial settlement with the Premier League over secret payments made during Roman Abramovich’s ownership.
The payments, linked to transfers of players like Willian, Samuel Eto’o, and Eden Hazard, were uncovered during due diligence by the current owners in 2022.
The club voluntarily reported the irregularities to football authorities, arguing that any rule breaches predate the current ownership.
A similar agreement was reached with UEFA in 2023, and sources suggest Chelsea is unlikely to face a points deduction from the Premier League.
The Premier League's investigation focused on payments to offshore entities, with no evidence suggesting the players involved were aware of these transactions.