Chelsea and Man City could both be kicked out of the Premier League if they are found guilty of Financial Fair Play FFP breaches, according to reports.
The Financial Fair play has been a hot topic this week as the 23/24 season has already seen two clubs dealt point deductions for FFP breaches.
Nottingham Forest and Everton have both been docked points for breaching the FFP rules.
Nottingham Forest face the chopping board after an independent commission decided to dock them four points over their own breaches of its Profit and Sustainability rules. The Premier League had claimed that the club exceeded their PSR threshold by as much as £34.5million in the pertinent period.
Everton on the other hand were hit with the points deduction last November after they recorded losses in excess of £105million over a three-year period, ending in 2022.
Given the allegations made against both City and Chelsea, it seems quite apparent that their charges and potential charges would fit under the category of ‘major’.
City are facing 115 charges and their case will be heard in the autumn. Chelsea may also find themselves in hot water due to their big-spending habits if major sales are not made this summer.
Robert Glancy KC, sports law specialist Mark Hovell and accountancy expert Steve Holt wrote that available punishments “range from a warning through to expulsion from the Premier League”.
The trio went on to say: “Where a PSR breach is ‘minor’, then it will be for other Commissions to determine if any points deduction is necessary, appropriate or proportionate.
“But if the breach is properly described as ‘major’ then it may be the case that even a very severe sanction such as expulsion is more appropriate.”
Manchester City emphatically denies all of the 115 allegations made against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April of the 24/25 season.
Chelsea chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. They were originally fined £8.6m by Uefa but importantly they are yet to be formally charged by the Premier League despite an ongoing investigation.
