Chelsea must pay a £10 million fine and face a suspended two-window transfer ban after admitting 74 breaches of Football Association rules linked to agent payments and player transactions.

The breaches occurred between 2009 and 2022 when Roman Abramovich owned the club. Chelsea’s current owners reported the issues to regulators after taking control in 2022.

Appeal removes points deduction

After reviewing the case, the FA charged Chelsea with 74 breaches of Rule E1.2.

An independent Regulatory Commission first imposed a six-point deduction, suspended until June 30, 2027, and a £10 million fine.

Chelsea challenged the points deduction on appeal. The Appeal Board later removed that sanction. Instead, it imposed a suspended registration ban covering two consecutive transfer windows until June 30, 2027.

Chelsea reacts to decision

In a statement, Chelsea said: “Chelsea Football Club is pleased to confirm that a final decision has been reached by the FA’s judicial bodies in relation to historical regulatory matters that were self-reported by the club.

“In 2022, the club self-reported potential historical rule breaches to all applicable regulators. Following that report, it has worked openly and transparently with all regulators, including voluntarily and proactively disclosing many thousands of documents.

“As previously announced, settlement agreements have been entered into with UEFA and the Premier League concerning the same self-reported regulatory matters and topics that have been addressed before.

“The club is pleased to confirm that, now the FA process has concluded, this brings all regulatory proceedings against the club to a close.

“We are grateful to UEFA, the Premier League and the FA for their engagement with the club throughout these processes.”

FA continues probe

The FA said it will continue to investigate individuals connected to the case.

A statement from the governing body said: “A financial sanction of £10 million and a suspended two-window registration ban have been imposed on Chelsea FC for breaches of The Football Association Football Agent Regulations, Regulations on Working with Intermediaries and Third Party Investment in Players Regulations.

“The FA charged Chelsea FC with 74 breaches of FA Rule E1.2 after its current ownership self-reported misconduct upon its purchase of the club.

“The FA is continuing to investigate individual misconduct arising out of this case.”

The governing body also confirmed it will invest the £10 million fine in grassroots football.