Chelsea are reportedly locked in talks with the Premier League over potentially paying a settlement to avoid a points deduction.
The issue is not related to the Premier League‘s profit and sustainability findings for 2023-24, which showed that no clubs were in breach.
Instead, the talks between the two parties relates to a historical matter which allegedly occurred during Roman Abramovich’s tenure at Stamford Bridge, according to The Times. The issue was raised by Chelsea‘s new owners following their takeover in May 2022.
The club are now holding discussions with the Premier League over a compromise, which would see them pay ‘a financial settlement’ rather than any sporting sanction, such as a points deduction.
The Premier League launched a probe into allegations that irregular payments were made to facilitate Willian and Samuel Eto’o’s respective transfers from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013.
Payments concerning Eden Hazard’s move from Lille a year earlier have also been brought to their attention.
In normal circumstances, clubs found to have made secret payments related to transfers would face tough punishments being handed down, with a heavy fine and points deduction an expected outcome.
However, Chelsea‘s current ownership, the BlueCo consortium led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, have argued that because the alleged rule breaches took place under a different ownership over a decade ago, the current regime should not be penalised.
It is also their apparent view that the payments would not have been highlighted or reported if it hadn’t have been for their due diligence process, which was carried out during the takeover.
It was reported that Boehly and Clearlake held back £150million from their original £2.5bn purchase price after being made aware of the payments allegedly made during the Abramovich regime.
The outcome of the negotiations is expected before the end of March, with the club ‘confident’ a positive conclusion can be reached. The west London club concluded a similar case with UEFA in July 2023 after agreeing to pay £8.6m as a financial settlement to the European governing body.
The Premier League‘s own rules also allow for a ‘sanction agreement’ to be handed down by its board and one of the 20 clubs providing it receives ratification from their Judicial Panel. While this can include points deductions, the report adds Chelsea are ‘insistent’ on making a financial arrangement.
Addressing in the investigation in August, Richard Masters, the Premier League‘s chief executive, confirmed they were close to “reaching a conclusion” in their investigation. “What we are talking about is something historic,” Masters added.
While Chelsea‘s investigation is not related to PSR, the issue could reignite grievances amongst other clubs in the top flight who have been hit with financial penalties and points deductions.
Everton and Nottingham Forest were deducted two and four points apiece respectively after they were found to have breached the £105million limit.
Forest, who survived relegation after finishing 17th, are currently second and competing for a Champions League qualification place with Chelsea.