August 09, (THEWILL) – Chelsea Football Club is reportedly under investigation by the English Premier League for potential financial regulation breaches during the ownership of Roman Abramovich.
The investigation is focused on the club’s financial activities between 2012 and 2019 while under the control of the Russian oligarch. According to reports monitored by THEWILL, Chelsea’s new owners, led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, became aware of potential financial improprieties during their takeover process last summer. They subsequently brought their findings to the attention of the EPL and FA.
This proactive admission mirrors the club’s approach with UEFA, whom they paid a €10 million fine to over historical reporting errors. While no formal charges have yet been brought, the latest investigation puts further scrutiny on Chelsea’s financial workings under Abramovich before sanctions forced his sale. The club could face punishments like fines or point deductions if found guilty of wrongdoing, even if new ownership is now in place.
The Premier League is yet to comment publicly on the probe. THEWILL recalls that Chelsea agreed to be sold after Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. New owners Boehly and Clearlake have sought to project transparency, highlighted by voluntarily flagging past financial concerns. However, the latest investigation will ignite fresh questions over Abramovich’s running of Chelsea.
With the club on the verge of returning to reckoning under Mauricio Pochettino, the spectre of previous financial violations will be an unwanted distraction. Chelsea will likely state their willingness to cooperate fully with EPL inquiries to bring swift closure. However, the latest probe ensures the Abramovich era will continue to cast a shadow at Stamford Bridge.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
