Chelsea could be the ‘biggest red flag’ in the EPL when it comes to Financial Fair Play issues. Three major clubs have been flagged as potentially in hot water after breaching financial regulations with transfers, trades, and contracts in the English Premier League. The top of the concerning list is Chelsea FC, led by Pochettino this year.
Will they be in debt moving into the 2024-2025 Premier League season, or will they be able to fix their multilevel issues that could – potentially – span multiple years?
Chelsea FC in Financial Trouble in the EPL
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— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 14, 2024
Chelsea could be in huge trouble in the Premier League when it comes to financial backing, contracts, payments, transfers, and balancing the books. The Blues need to pay back more than $140 million in player assets before the summer is even over. The administrative and marketing staff at the Blues’ headquarters definitely can’t go on a summer holiday with their families, as they need to pay back this hefty sum before June 30th.
The huge financial debt is extremely concerning for the club, who had a terrible season in the Premier League this year, no doubt finishing mid-table and missing out on a top-five finish, European football next year, and any domestic trophies.
Rob Wilson, a football financial expert, confirms that the club is in dire trouble moving into next year.
‘Chelsea are out in front as the biggest red flags, and then you start coming down into a group of other teams. In that group are Manchester United, Aston Villa, with Newcastle and Liverpool creeping in there. Chelsea might just look at it and think, we’ll take the points deduction.’
Liverpool and Manchester United Also Involved
Chelsea FC are not the only club with financial breaches in their club. Manchester United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Liverpool FC are all on the radar as having ‘sketchy’ going-on with their finances within the club.
‘Liverpool have spent significantly on wages, then of course you have Manchester City in and around it as well.’
There has been significant inflation when it comes to player wages in the last few years, with players being traded and transferred for millions of pounds – a fee that was unfathomable decades ago. Other clubs, like Manchester United, who have a huge history and backing in England, can spend even more money on wages than lower-level clubs.
Wilson notes that purchasing big-name players, like Casemiro, is a huge gamble financially. If they do not perform well, it can be an extreme financial burden for clubs to maintain this high level of weekly wages.
‘He’s clearly not been fit at times this year, and then now, of course, being played out of position. It looks like he might have checked out from what is happening on the field.’
Clubs that overspend on players and breach financial rules could have long-term implications on the game and Premier League structure as a whole. Failing to follow the clear legislation set forth by the FPP is usually severe, with transfer embargos, sanctions, and fines being the most common.
But, there has to be more stringent regulations to avoid big-name clubs, like Manchester United and Chelsea FC, overspending – and outshining – lower-tier clubs. The game has to be played on a level playing field – and that starts with a more sustainable and realistic financial future.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
