The Premier League are scrutinising Chelsea’s signings of Willian and Samuel Eto’o as part of a wider investigation into secret transfer-related payments made during the Roman Abramovich era.
An investigation was launched last year after the club’s new owners voluntarily reported financial transactions between 2012 and 2019 to the FA, Premier League and UEFA. The Premier League are reported to be looking into payments of millions of pounds to at least six offshore companies.
The alleged payments, which could leave Chelsea at risk of profit and sustainability breaches, were uncovered during the due diligence process undertaken by the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital consortium when they were buying the club from Abramovich.
The Times report that the £30million signing of Willian and free transfer of Eto’o from Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala in August 2013 are part of the Premier League investigation.
There is no suggestion either player had any knowledge of such payments.
Chelsea have agreed a €10m (£8.57m) settlement with UEFA to cover Financial Fair Play rule breaches. UEFA said the fine was for “instances of potentially incomplete financial reporting under the club’s previous ownership”.
Chelsea could face another fine or even a points deduction, though it is hard to predict what will happen as this is uncharted territory for the Premier League.
Chelsea said in a statement: “These allegations pre-date the club’s current ownership. They concern entities that were allegedly controlled by the club’s former owner and do not relate to any individual who is presently at the club.
“The club has proactively assisted the applicable regulators with their investigations and will continue to do so.”
The Premier League declined to comment.
