Agent charges Chelsea hope to avoid points deduction by FA

Chelsea are expecting to be hit with a substantial financial sanction for transfer misdemeanours, after the Football Association charged them with 74 breaches of its rules relating to the use of football agents.

- Paul MacInnes Rob Davies

The club now faces a lengthy charge sheet after an investigation into transfer activity under the ownership of Roman Abramovich. They are accused, among other claims, of making undisclosed payments to secure transfers. Deals under the spotlight include those for Eden Hazard, Willian and Samuel Eto'o.

An FA statement yesterday confirmed the charges, which relate to alleged breaches of six rules in place during 2009-2022. The case will be heard by an independent regulatory commission. Among the rules cited are those that prevent clubs from making undisclosed payments and using unregistered intermediaries.

Chelsea are also charged with breaking regulations that prevent clubs from making deals that allow third parties to "influence materially the club's policies".