Coming live Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are reportedly engaged in discussions with the Premier League in an effort to prevent a potential points deduction as the reduction could lead to a very low position on the table.

Chelsea are reportedly engaged in discussions with the Premier League regarding a possible financial settlement to prevent a points deduction.

The matter under negotiation is unrelated to the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations for the 2023-24 season, which confirmed that no clubs had breached financial rules. Instead, the discussions focus on historical issues dating back to Roman Abramovich’s ownership of the club, as reported by The Times. Chelsea’s current owners flagged these concerns after completing their takeover in May 2022.

The club is seeking to reach a compromise with the Premier League, proposing a financial settlement instead of a sporting penalty such as a points deduction.

Background of the Investigation

The Premier League launched an inquiry into allegations of undisclosed payments linked to Chelsea’s past transfers, specifically those of Willian and Samuel Eto’o from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013. Additionally, payments related to Eden Hazard’s move from Lille in 2012 have also come under scrutiny.

Under normal circumstances, secret transfer payments could result in severe penalties, including significant fines and a points deduction. However, Chelsea’s current owners—Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital—argue that any potential violations occurred before their tenure and should not result in sporting sanctions against the club.

Chelsea’s Stance on the Case

Boehly and Clearlake reportedly withheld £150 million from their £2.5 billion takeover deal after being made aware of the alleged financial irregularities under Abramovich’s ownership. The club’s management believes that these payments would have gone unnoticed had they not voluntarily disclosed them during their due diligence process.

The club is optimistic that a resolution will be reached before the end of March. Chelsea previously settled a similar case with UEFA in July 2023 by agreeing to pay an £8.6 million fine. The Premier League’s regulations allow for a “sanction agreement” between a club and the league, which must be approved by the Judicial Panel. While such agreements can involve points deductions, Chelsea is reportedly determined to negotiate a financial penalty instead.

Implications for the Premier League

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters confirmed in August that the investigation was nearing its conclusion, describing the case as “historic.” However, the potential settlement could spark frustration among rival clubs, particularly those that have already faced financial penalties.

Everton and Nottingham Forest, for instance, were deducted two and four points, respectively, for breaching financial regulations. Given that Forest finished just above the relegation zone last season and now competes directly with Chelsea for European qualification, a financial settlement for the Blues may be viewed as controversial.

With negotiations ongoing, Chelsea remains hopeful of avoiding a points deduction while closing this chapter of its past ownership.