Chelsea have been handed a £10 million fine and a suspended two-window transfer ban after an independent appeal board ruled on their admission of 74 breaches of Football Association agent regulations, the FA announced on Friday.

The sanctions cover violations of FA rules on agents, working with intermediaries, and third-party investment in players — breaches that stretch back to the era of former owner Roman Abramovich.

How it came to light

When the club's current ownership took over in May 2022, they discovered the historical rule breaches and promptly self-reported them to the FA, the Premier League, and UEFA. The transfers at the centre of the investigation are believed to include deals involving Eden Hazard, Samuel Eto'o, and Willian.

The case was first heard by an independent regulatory commission, which imposed a six-point deduction suspended until June 30, 2027. Chelsea appealed that decision, and the appeal board replaced the points penalty with the suspended transfer ban.

Fine goes to grassroots football

The £10 million fine, imposed by the Regulatory Commission, was not subject to appeal. The full amount will be channelled into grassroots football development.

Chelsea had already reached settlement agreements with the Premier League and UEFA over the same self-reported matters prior to Friday's FA ruling, having previously been fined by the Premier League in March.

Club pleased to draw a line

In a statement, Chelsea said they were pleased a final decision had been reached, adding that the club had worked