Chelsea points deduction truth as Everton and Nottingham Forest breach Premier League FFP rules.
Chelsea is one of four Premier League clubs waiting for an FFP punishment, with Manchester City also accused, and Everton and Nottingham Forest were found in violation of profit and sustainability rules (PSR). Man City were told in 2023 that they would be prosecuted for 115 financial violations after a five-year probe, while Everton and Forest found out on Monday.
Everton learned of their punishment for one infringement in November 2023, when Sean Dyche’s side was docked ten points. Two months after that punishment, another could be on the horizon, with fellow Premier League strugglers Nottingham Forest joining them in financial jeopardy after all 20 teams were obliged to submit their finances for the 2022/23 season by December 31.
“Everton FC and Nottingham Forest FC have each confirmed to the Premier League that they are in breach of the League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR),” the Premier League said in a statement. This is due to losses exceeding the permissible criteria for the evaluation period ending in Season 2022/23.
“Both cases have now been referred to the chair of the Judicial Panel, who will appoint separate Commissions to determine the appropriate sanction, in accordance with Premier League Rules.”
Chelsea points deduction truth as Everton and Nottingham Forest breach Premier League FFP rules
“Commissions are separate from the Premier League and its member clubs.” The hearings are held in private, and the Commission’s final conclusions are made public on the Premier League website. “Until then, the League will make no further comment.”
While Chelsea, Manchester City, Everton, and Nottingham Forest are all in danger, there is a distinct distinction in Chelsea’s scenario when compared to their Premier League opponents. Despite the allegations and ongoing investigations, the Blues have not been charged by any regulatory body, including the Premier League, UEFA, and FIFA.
Chelsea could face punishment ranging from relegation to point deductions, but for the time being, it is only an investigation into shady payments made in transfers for Willian and Samuel Eto’o, with other claims made against the club between 2012 and 2019, but worrying about those right now is unnecessary given there has yet to be a charge.
Although it should be noted that Chelsea has already been punished. They were given a transfer restriction in 2019, but it was for breaking rules about signing junior players, which is plainly not the case at Everton, City, or now Forest.
Further financial issues have arisen in west London, with Chelsea agreeing to pay UEFA £8.57 million (€10 million) following a settlement over insufficient financial reporting under previous owner Roman Abramovich. It had nothing to do with the present owners, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, but the fines were imposed regardless.
The American businesspeople self-reported the accounting gaps discovered during the due diligence phase leading up to the transaction in May 2022. “In accordance with the club’s ownership group’s core principles of full compliance and transparency with its regulators, we are grateful that this case has been concluded by proactive disclosure of information to UEFAs and a settlement that fully resolves the reported matters,” a release from the club read.
While Chelsea is bound to be associated with financial penalties and violations, they are not now in the same scenario as City, Everton, and Forest. That could change in the future, but for the time being, the Blues are extremely unlikely to face substantial penalty, such as Premier League relegation or a points deduction.
