Big setback for Chelsea ahead of EPL season as FIFA begins financial investigation: Report

According to reports, Chelsea could lose points as the Premier League looks into payments made to a "secret offshore company" under Roman Abramovich. The Premier League is reportedly looking into Chelsea for possible financial rule violations while Abramovich was the club's owner. The EPL 2023/24 season is scheduled to start on August 12, 2023.

3 things you need to know

• Chelsea have been under skeptical light over the finances made by the club
• Chelsea splurged over $200 million in the 2022/23 transfer market
• Chelsea are going through a transition phase after Todd Boehly took over the command of the club

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Chelsea under troubled waters

After acquiring the club last summer, the Blues' new owners, a group headed by Todd Boehly, are rumoured to have informed UEFA and the Premier League about their club. Chelsea are not currently facing any charges from the Premier League, but should they be found in violation of the rules, they may be subject to fines or point deductions.

According to sources with knowledge of the investigation, payments to about six offshore accounts have been located. Additionally, according to an outlet, the payments, which are in the millions, are thought to be connected to the transfer of players who do not appear to have been reported as part of the club's yearly financial reporting to the Premier League, FA, and UEFA. 

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Chelsea under Roman Abramovich

In 2003, Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea for $140 million, taking control of the team. The Blues had only ever won three FA Cups between 1970 and 2000, the 1971 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, and one First Division championship in 1955. The West Londoners did win five Premier League championships, five FA Cups, three League Cups, two Champions Leagues, two Europa Leagues, two Community Shields, and one UEFA Super Cup thanks to the Russian billionaire's funding. The Club World Cup, won by Abramovich in February 2022—just one month before the 56-year-old sold the team—was the last prize he won during his ownership.

What do you think of Chelsea's current ownership, as compared to the reign of Roman Abramovich? Let us know in the comments.