Chelsea have announced a Premier League-record pre-tax loss of £262.4m for the year ending 30 June 2025, surpassing the previous highest loss recorded by Manchester City in 2010-11. The club attributed the deficit to higher operating costs compared to the previous season.
The loss marks a sharp reversal from the £128.4m profit posted in 2023-24, which was boosted by the sale of the women's team to a subsidiary. Despite the record figure, Chelsea reported revenue of £490.9m, their second-highest ever, partly from the Club World Cup.
On the same day, the Football Association revealed Chelsea spent £65.1m on agents’ fees between February 2025 and 2026, the highest in the Premier League and up 13% overall. Sources say the figure was inflated by record summer sales, as selling clubs also pay fees.
Despite the loss, Chelsea were deemed compliant with the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) for the three-year period ending 2024-25. The rules allow maximum losses of £105m, but spending on infrastructure, youth, and women’s football can be added back, ensuring compliance.
Chelsea also face potential sanctions over historical breaches. The club avoided a points deduction after entering into a sanction agreement with the Premier League, receiving a £10.75m fine and a suspended transfer ban for undisclosed payments during the Abramovich era. They are also anticipating a financial penalty from the FA for agent payment breaches.
The women’s team posted a £17.1m loss despite £21.3m revenue. Chelsea forecast revenue exceeding £700m for the 2025-26 season and expressed confidence in ongoing compliance with Uefa’s financial rules, having been fined €20m last July for breaches.
