Chelsea and Aston Villa have been penalized by Uefa for violating financial regulations set by the European governing body. Both clubs might face restrictions on registering new players for Uefa competitions in the upcoming season unless they achieve a positive transfer balance by the close of the summer transfer window.
Chelsea has been fined 31 million euros (£26.7 million) and could face an additional fine of 60 million euros (£51.2 million) if they fail to comply with the rules over the next four years. Aston Villa has been fined 11 million euros (£9.5 million), with a potential further penalty of 15 million euros (£12.9 million) dependent on compliance over a three-year span.
These sanctions pertain to a breach of Uefa’s financial regulations regarding football earnings and having a squad cost ratio—where more than 80% of income goes toward wages. Chelsea is set to compete in the Champions League in 2025-26, while Aston Villa will be in the Europa League.
In a statement, Chelsea emphasized their dedication to transparency with Uefa, providing detailed financial reports that indicate the club’s financial performance is on an upward trajectory. They value their relationship with Uefa and sought to resolve this matter quickly by entering into a settlement agreement.
The sanctions were imposed by Uefa’s club financial control body (CFCB), which stated that profits from the sale of tangible or intangible assets, player exchanges (known as ‘swaps’), and transfers between related parties cannot be included in financial accounts submitted by clubs.
Chelsea reported a pre-tax profit of £128.4 million in June 2024, a figure that included a £200 million sale of their women’s team to a separate entity under the parent company BlueCo. Additionally, the club sold two hotels to a sister company to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which differ from Uefa’s standards. Reports suggest Aston Villa has also reached an agreement to sell their women’s team to adhere to PSR.
This summer, Chelsea has made transfers totaling £150 million for five players, while Aston Villa has not yet secured any significant signings.
Crystal Palace, whose inclusion in the Europa League for the upcoming season is in doubt due to possible violations of multi-club ownership (MCO) regulations over the connection of American billionaire John Textor with both clubs, may also be impacted by this circumstance.
