Chelsea and their sister club Strasbourg have been fined by UEFA for breaching squad cost ratio rules, European football's governing body announced.
UEFA Squad Cost Ratio Rules
Under squad cost ratio (SCR) rules, European clubs competing in the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League cannot spend more than 70 per cent of their income on players. Both Chelsea and Strasbourg, owned by BlueCo, fell foul of these regulations for the 2025-26 season.
Fines Imposed
Chelsea have been dealt a £2.58 million fine, with £1.72 million of that amount conditional. The highest fine handed out by UEFA for the 2025-26 campaign went to Strasbourg, fined £21.54 million, of which £10.3 million was conditional. Aston Villa were also penalised, receiving a £19.38 million fine, with £12.92 million conditional.
UEFA Statement
A UEFA statement explained: “Regarding Aston Villa FC and Chelsea FC, which had already been sanctioned in the previous season, the CFCB First Chamber took into consideration the improving trend in their squad cost ratio between 2024 and 2025 in line with projections submitted as part of their settlement agreement. As a result, part of the fine is conditional upon the clubs continuing to significantly decrease their squad cost ratio in 2026.”
Chelsea's Response
Chelsea released a statement in response, which read: “Chelsea FC can confirm that the UEFA Club Monitoring process for season 2025/26 has concluded and UEFA has today published its outcome concerning the club’s compliance position in relation the squad cost ratio for the 2025 calendar year. Following proactive and transparent engagement with UEFA, the UEFA Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) recognised the improving trend in the club’s squad cost ratio for the 2025 calendar year. However, as the 70 per cent threshold for UEFA's Squad Cost Ratio was narrowly exceeded, a fine will be paid, further details of which are available on the UEFA website.”
Different Rules in the Premier League
The squad cost ratio rules applied by the Premier League are different, allowing investment in players of up to 85 per cent of the club's income. This discrepancy highlights the varying financial regulations across competitions.
