Chelsea is reportedly engaged in discussions with the Premier League regarding a financial resolution concerning undisclosed payments linked to transfers during Roman Abramovich’s ownership, according to a recent report.
In 2023, The Times published a story indicating that the Premier League was looking into alleged improper payments connected to the acquisitions of Willian and Samuel Eto’o.
A new report indicates that Chelsea is negotiating with the Premier League to reach a financial agreement instead of facing a sporting penalty, such as a points deduction.
This stems from claims that the current ownership discovered these payments during the takeover process in 2022 and subsequently informed the Premier League and UEFA.
Chelsea is reportedly ‘confident’ that they can reach an agreement similar to the £8.6 million settlement made with UEFA in July 2023 for submitting incomplete financial information during the Abramovich era.
The report emphasises that such ‘secret payments’ are usually met with severe consequences, including potential points deductions, but Chelsea contends that these rule violations occurred under previous ownership.
It is believed that the payments would not have been disclosed or reported had it not been for the due diligence carried out by the new owners.
Chelsea acquired Willian for £32 million from Anzhi Makhachkala in August 2013, followed by the signing of former Barcelona forward Eto’o from the same Russian club a week later.
Financial documents indicate that the transfers of Willian and Eto’o from Anzhi Makhachkala involved ‘payments made to Russian entities that were distinct from any transfer fee.’
Payments associated with the signing of Eden Hazard in 2012 are also said to be under investigation, as per the report.
During a comprehensive due diligence process before finalising the purchase, the ownership group learned of potentially incomplete financial records related to historical transactions from the club’s prior ownership.
