An ongoing investigation into alleged secret payments made by former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich could potentially result in a points deduction for the club, according to reports.
The Premier League is currently looking into financial breaches related to these payments, which were reportedly made to offshore companies.
The investigation was sparked when Todd Boehly’s consortium, who were in the process of purchasing the club from Abramovich, discovered the payments and reported them to the Football Association, Premier League, and UEFA.
Recent reports have suggested that the Premier League is specifically examining transfers involving Willian and Samuel Eto’o from Anzhi Makhachkala in August 2013, as financial records allegedly show payments to “Russian entities” separate from any transfer fees.
Further scrutiny has revealed that a number of secret payments worth tens of millions of pounds were delivered through offshore entities owned by Abramovich.
These transactions have raised questions about potential breaches of rules, including Financial Fair Play regulations, by Chelsea.
The investigation could result in punishments for the club, such as a points deduction, with possible beneficiaries of the secret payments including the agent of former Chelsea player Eden Hazard, an associate of ex-Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, and other individuals linked with the club.
Abramovich, who purchased the club in 2003, oversaw the most successful period in Chelsea’s history before being forced to sell up in 2022 following sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
During his ownership, Chelsea achieved significant success, winning multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, EFL Cups, and European trophies.
