The atmosphere at Chelsea’s boardroom must be celebratory. The football club faced extensive allegations of financial misconduct involving secret payments during Roman Abramovich’s ownership. Yet, the English Football Association (FA) imposed only a £10 million fine without any points deduction.

In contrast to Chelsea’s punishment, Everton faced a different fate when penalized for exceeding Premier League’s profit and sustainability limits. They initially lost 10 points, later reduced to six, and then faced a separate two-point penalty. Both Everton and Nottingham Forest suffered consequences that nearly led to relegation.

The FA’s judgment highlighted how Chelsea “flouted” regulations. Documents related to these breaches recalled instances such as Eden Hazard’s transfer from Lille, among others spanning 2009 to 2022.

Overall, Chelsea was involved in unofficial payments totaling £47 million over 13 years, including payments for minors and players like Willian and Ramires. None of these athletes committed any wrongdoing, and current club owners reported these breaches when acquiring Chelsea in 2022.

The BlueCo consortium, credited for transparency, initially faced a £26 million fine. This amount was reduced through cooperation and early guilty plea.

The leniency in Chelsea’s case, compared to other clubs, raises questions about fairness. Despite historical misconduct, Chelsea sees only financial penalties, more manageable for a club of its wealth.

Chelsea’s previous ownership had set aside £150 million from the takeover amount, perhaps cushioning financial impacts. The current ownership, meanwhile, can claim the moral high ground while continuing to face scrutiny for maintaining the team’s historical success.

Fans might wonder if larger clubs enjoy leniency in financial breaches. This perceived disparity is echoed in broader concerns, such as the unresolved case against Manchester City concerning alleged financial breaches. The legal system progresses slowly, leaving many to speculate about outcomes.