Chelsea avoided a 15-point deduction that would have relegated them from the Premier League, as the Football Association revealed details behind its decision to impose a suspended transfer ban. The FA fined Chelsea £10 million and issued a two-window registration ban, suspended until 30 June 2027, for 74 breaches of agent regulations.
The sanctions stem from misconduct that occurred during Roman Abramovich's near two-decade ownership. Chelsea's current owners, BlueCo, self-reported the breaches after purchasing the club and were believed to have been fully cooperative with the FA's year-long inquiry.
Points deduction avoided
According to the FA's written reasons, "a starting point of 15 points is appropriate". That would have left Chelsea two points adrift in 18th place, having finished the season only 13 points clear of West Ham United. The starting point was reduced by a third to 10 points to reflect the club's self-reporting and cooperation.
The FA charged Chelsea in September 2025 with 74 breaches of FA Rule E1.2, for conduct ranging from 2009 to 2022. The allegations, which Chelsea contested, primarily related to events between the 2010/11 and 2015/16 playing seasons, and centred on transfers including the acquisitions of Eden Hazard, Samuel Eto'o and Willian.
Appeal board replaces points deduction
An independent Regulatory Commission initially imposed a six-point deduction, suspended until 30 June 2027, plus the £10 million fine. Chelsea appealed against the points deduction, and an independent Appeal Board allowed the appeal, set aside the deduction and imposed a ban on registering players for two complete and consecutive transfer windows, also suspended until 30 June 2027.
The FA confirmed the £10 million fine was not subject to appeal and the full amount will be invested into grassroots football. It added: "The FA is continuing to investigate individual misconduct arising out of this case."
Chelsea statement
Chelsea said it was "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." The club added that it had worked openly with all regulators, voluntarily disclosing many thousands of documents, and noted that settlement agreements had already been entered into with UEFA and the Premier League. With the FA process concluded, Chelsea said all regulatory proceedings against the club are now closed.
