Chelsea Football Club are reportedly in discussions with the Premier League to negotiate a financial settlement that could prevent a potentially damaging points deduction. The case pertains to alleged secret payments made during the ownership of Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.

A consortium led by Todd Boehly completed a £4.25 billion takeover of the west London club in May 2022, after Abramovich was forced to sell following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Sanctions imposed by the British government on Abramovich expedited the sale.

Since Boehly's arrival, alongside Clearlake Capital, Chelsea have invested heavily in transfers. However, the new owners now face scrutiny over financial irregularities tied to transactions that occurred under the club’s previous management. The Premier League’s investigation focuses on payments linked to signings made before the takeover, and Boehly's camp is keen to resolve the matter through a settlement to avoid severe repercussions.

In October 2023, The Times reported that Premier League officials were investigating irregularities in payments related to the transfers of Willian and Samuel Eto’o in 2013, as well as Eden Hazard’s transfer from Lille in 2012. These payments are alleged to have breached financial regulations and could result in penalties such as a points deduction.

Rather than risk such a sanction, Chelsea's current leadership is reportedly working towards a financial settlement. According to the club, these irregularities came to light during due diligence carried out during the takeover process, at which point both the Premier League and UEFA were notified. The new owners maintain that the breaches occurred under Abramovich’s regime and were unknown to them prior to the purchase.

Chelsea are optimistic that a resolution can be achieved, citing a similar agreement reached with UEFA in July 2023, where an £8.6 million settlement was agreed upon. The club argue that their transparency and cooperation should allow for a financial penalty rather than a sporting one.

Premier League regulations permit a “sanction agreement,” whereby clubs can resolve matters financially without further disciplinary action, provided the league’s Judicial Panel approves the arrangement. Discussions are ongoing, with a decision expected before March 2025.

Chelsea, five-time Premier League champions, hope to draw a line under the controversy, enabling them to focus fully on their on-pitch ambitions while avoiding the detrimental impact of a points deduction.