Chelsea could be facing sanctions for exceeding UEFA’s financial loss limits for last season.
The club tried to offset their losses by recording the £276.5m income they made selling their women’s team and club-owned hotels to affiliated companies. Chelsea Women were sold to the club’s American-based owners, BlueCo 22 Midco Ltd, for £200m, while two club hotels were sold for £76.5m.
However, UEFA has refused to recognise this income, meaning that Chelsea have officially breached financial fair play spending limits.
The Blues are currently negotiating a settlement with UEFA, which is expected to include a financial penalty. UEFA may also force the club to agree to a spending plan for the next three years. If Chelsea fail to comply, UEFA could take the punishment as far as banning them from European competitions for at least a season. This would include the Champions League, the Europa League, and even the Conference League.
However, Chelsea’s owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake are positive that the matter will be resolved quickly, and that they will continue to maintain a cooperative relationship with UEFA.
The outcome of the settlement is expected to be made public by May.
