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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Simon Collings

Chelsea in talks to avoid points deduction over secret transfer payments made under Roman Abramovich

Chelsea look set to avoid a points deduction for alleged secret transfer payments made during Roman Abramovich’s ownership.

The club is in talks with the Premier League over a financial settlement related to alleged rule breaches discovered by their new owners during their takeover process in 2022.

It emerged in 2023 that the Premier League was investigating alleged irregular payments related to the signings of Willian and Samuel Eto'o by Chelsea in 2013.

Payments connected to the signing of Eden Hazard in 2012 have also been under investigation.

The Premier League is investigating alleged irregular payments related to the signings of Willian and Samuel Eto'o by Chelsea in 2013 (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

An outcome is expected before the end of March, with Chelsea confident they will not be hit with a points deduction after their self-reporting.

Chelsea hope to reach an agreement similar to the £8.6million financial settlement made with UEFA in July 2023.

Chelsea and the Premier League declined to comment.

It has been reported that rival clubs are sympathetic to the situation faced by Chelsea owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake after their takeover.

Any financial settlement is not expected to give Chelsea any issues in terms of Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Chelsea insist they will continue to remain compliant with PSR.

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