Chelsea react to allegations of FFP breach amid reports of possible points deduction

Chelsea react to allegations of FFP breach amid reports of possible points deduction

Chelsea have released a statement reacting to the ongoing investigations surrounding multiple payments that were made to third parties under the Roman Abramovich era at the club.

The payments are said to have been made to agent of former Chelsea winger, Eden Hazard, and associates of ex-coach, Antonio Conte, among others.

The Guardian claims that these payments were made secretly, and didn’t conform to the principles of Financial Fair Play.

The report by the publication is part of a larger Cyrpus Confidential investigation into corruption in the UK, EU, Ukraine and Russia, and puts Chelsea at risk of being punished by the Premier League with a possible points deduction.

Chelsea have however, released an official statement in reaction to the report stating that the club had no idea of the payments before now, and immediately reported them to the right authorities upon discovery. They also expressed their commitment to continue complying with the investigations.

“These allegations pre-date the club’s current ownership. They are based on documents which the club has not been shown and do not relate to any individual who is presently at the club,” the statement reads.

“[During the takeover process, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital became aware of] “potentially incomplete financial reporting concerning historical transactions during the club’s previous ownership.

“Immediately following the completion of the purchase, the club proactively self-reported these matters to all applicable football regulators.

“In accordance with the club’s ownership group’s core principles of full compliance and transparency the club has proactively assisted the applicable regulators with their investigations and will continue to do so.”