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Roman Abramovich cited after BBC's Chelsea investigation reveal - 'nine-point deduction', says Kieran Maguire
Kieran Maguire has claimed Chelsea are “looking for leniency” from the Premier League after self-reporting potential financial rule breaches under ex-owner Roman Abramovich.
The finance expert, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted it would set a “dangerous precedent” to allow the Blues to get away completely scot-free.
As per the BBC (31 October), the 2013 transfers of Samuel Eto’o and Willian from Anzhi Makhachkala to Chelsea are part of a Premier League investigation.
The matters were brought to the attention of regulators by the Blues’ new owners following their takeover in 2022.
Former owner Abramovich was at the helm of the Stamford Bridge club at the time of the two signings.
Maguire claimed Chelsea will “ideally want a financial settlement” as a result of the breaches and suggested some form of punishment is likely despite the proactive move from Todd Boehly’s ownership.
He told Football Insider‘s Sean Fisher: “If they are found guilty of these offshore payments, then the commission hearing the evidence will look at mitigating factors and aggravating factors when setting the punishment.
“We saw with Birmingham City, when they self-reported some of their offences, that they had a reduction in punishment – they ended up with a nine-point deduction rather than 11.
“It could be that Chelsea are looking for leniency.
“Ideally they want a financial settlement, or to be cleared of all charges and the blame be put on Roman Abramovich.
“Ultimately, it is the football club and not the owner who is responsible.
“It would be a dangerous precedent to allow them to pin the responsibility on previous owners and then let the current owners get away with it.
“I think Chelsea are doing the right thing by self-reporting, but I think they’re looking for leniency from the commission.”
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