Chelsea escape harsh points penalty after self-reporting to the FA
Chelsea self-reporting themselves to the Football Association in regards to potential rule breaches was one of the mitigating factors that helped them dodge an ‘excessive’ six-point deduction, it has emerged.
The FA confirmed on Friday that the Blues had been slapped with a suspended two-window transfer ban, as well as a £10m fine. The punishment relates to the 74 breaches of FA rules back in September 2025.
The 74 charges brought were due to conduct 'ranging from 2009 to 2022', including deals for Willian, Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto'o. The club’s BlueCo ownership self-reported the breaches to the FA, with the vast majority of those having occurred under former owner Roman Abramovich.
Alongside the suspended ban and a fine, it has also been revealed that Chelsea were staring at the prospect of a suspended six-point deduction. But upon appeal, that punishment was quashed - and the FA have now explained exactly why.
In their written reasons, they have suggested that Chelsea’s move to self-report was a reason behind that decision, while the Blues have also been praised for their co-operation. Meanwhile, mitigating factors such as the breaches occurring under the club’s previous ownership, while the fact that Chelsea did not gain a sporting advantage in that period were both pointed to.
The FA also claimed that there was a need to encourage co-operation on the part of other clubs, while it was preferable for sporting outcomes to be determined on the pitch. The final reason why a points deduction was not imposed was the fact that any deduction would be administered by the Premier League - instead of the FA.
Due to all of those reasons, it was decided that a points deduction was excessive.
A statement from Chelsea read:
"Chelsea Football Club is 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."
"In 2022, the Club self-reported potential historical rule breaches to all applicable regulators. Following that report, it has worked openly and transparently with all regulators, including voluntarily and proactively disclosing many thousands of documents."
"As previously announced, settlement agreements have been entered into with UEFA and the Premier League concerning the same self-reported regulatory matters and topics that have been addressed before. The Club is pleased to confirm that, now The FA process has concluded, this brings all regulatory proceedings against the Club to a close."
"We are grateful to UEFA, the Premier League and The FA for their engagement with the Club throughout these processes."
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