Chelsea could face a UEFA fine for exceeding financial loss limits. It’s understood that the European football governing body is not willing to accept the sale of Chelsea’s women’s team as income. The club sold their women’s team to a sister company for an estimated $260 million, having previously sold hotels to another sister company.
Chelsea and UEFA are currently in discussions regarding the penalty for the London-based club. The report suggests a fine and a spending plan are the most probable outcomes. Further violations could potentially lead to a ban from European competition. The final decision on any agreement between the club and the governing body is anticipated in May, according to The Times.
This season, Chelsea is participating in the UEFA Conference League. The Blues topped the league phase table with maximum points and defeated FC Copenhagen in the round of 16, setting up a quarter-final clash with Legia Warszawa.
On Monday, Chelsea reported pre-tax profits of $165M, partly attributed to the “repositioning” of the women’s team. The club highlighted “a profit on disposal of subsidiaries of $256M,” which is largely believed to be due to the sale of the women’s team to BlueCo..
The Times has pointed out that UEFA and the Premier League hold different standards on selling assets to sister entities. UEFA caps losses at $220M across three years, and Chelsea’s $260M drop in income due to asset sales puts the club over this limit, though this was included in the club’s Premier League Profit and Sustainability calculations.
While ‘at least three’ clubs are reportedly in breach of UEFA’s financial guidelines, names have been withheld. Nonetheless, Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly remains unperturbed.
(Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
On the pitch, things look upbeat for Chelsea as it continues itspursuit for a spot in next season’s Champions League. The recent 1-0 triumph against Tottenham propelled Chelsea to fourth place, with Newcastle having the chance to go ahead with its game in hand.
Post-match, Sky Sports captured Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca reflecting on his team’s performance. “In the last 10 minutes I think the team showed effort, togetherness, spirit and it’s something that we need,” he said.
“If you measure on the result then for sure if we achieve Champions League is an important thing but from my point of view, I try to see how we improve day by day and I can see, since the first day, I think the team is getting better and better.”
