Chelsea could face exclusion from European competition due to a recently banned loophole by UEFA, according to reports.
The club is set to qualify for this season’s Europa Conference League if they advance through the play-off round. Enzo Maresca’s side secured a 2-0 victory against Swiss team Servette in the first leg, with the second leg scheduled for Thursday evening.
Chelsea’s season has been overshadowed by off-field issues, including managing a first-team squad of 43 players. The situation has improved slightly with recent sales, and Maresca has made it clear that players not in his plans will not feature under him and must seek opportunities elsewhere.
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To address financial fair play concerns amid significant spending, Chelsea has reportedly used unconventional methods, such as registering income from the sale of assets to affiliated companies. The club earned £76.5 million from selling two hotels and sold the Chelsea women’s team to the parent company.
However, UEFA, as reported by The Times, will no longer permit such tactics. An independent panel will assess whether Chelsea has violated any regulations. The Premier League has not yet addressed this loophole. Potential sanctions could range from a warning or fine to a ban from European competitions, effective from the next season.
Despite the concerns, Chelsea’s chairman Todd Boehly stated in April that the club was on track to comply with UEFA rules. This summer, Chelsea has curbed its spending, investing nearly £200 million compared to over £1 billion during the previous two summers under new ownership. The club has also raised over £100 million through player sales, including Conor Gallagher and Ian Maatsen.