Financial experts and rival fans have reacted with shock to the Premier League’s decision to fine Chelsea £10.75 million without a points deduction.
The ruling relates to a series of off book payments totaling over 47 million pounds made during the Roman Abramovich era to facilitate high profile transfers like Eden Hazard and Willian.
While the club also received a suspended one year transfer ban many analysts believe the London side has escaped lightly given the severity of the deception and concealment mentioned in the judgment.
The new ownership consortium led by Todd Boehly reportedly had a £150 million holdback clause in their takeover deal to cover exactly these types of historical liabilities.
With no immediate sporting sanction Chelsea remain free to pursue their Champions League ambitions starting with tonight’s second leg against Paris Saint Germain at Stamford Bridge.
