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If Chelsea ‘deliberately flouted’ rules but received no sporting sanctions, will it be same for Man City?

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1 week ago

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Listen carefully and perhaps you can hear the sound of wine glasses being clinked in celebration in Chelsea’s boardroom.

It’s some result for them if you consider the scale of offending — financial chicanery, dodgy deals, cheating, whatever you wish to call it — that was brought before the English Football Association (FA) without, ultimately, leading to anything more than a £10million ($13.4m) fine.

There will be no points deduction for the secret payments in the Roman Abramovich era that, rather awkwardly, helped to put Chelsea into such a position that £10m is the kind of money inside Stamford Bridge to be shrugged at. As we all know, if there is one way to punish a £2.5billion behemoth such as Chelsea, it is to fine them the equivalent of what they might pay one first-team player in wages per season. Or less than the payoff that Liam Rosenior allegedly received for being sacked as head coach after three months in charge.

That, perhaps, is the biggest irony of this story when you compare Chelsea’s punishment to the one that, say, Everton received for going past their spending limits to breach the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

You may remember Everton were docked 10 points in the 2023-24 season, reduced to six on appeal. That was followed by a separate two-point penalty later that season. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, were docked four points. Both clubs were nearly relegated as a result, a scenario that would have cost them considerably more than £10m. 

So let’s recap what exactly Chelsea did to warrant their 74 disciplinary charges and decide for yourself whether it was less or more serious than the disciplinary cases involving the clubs who, coincidentally, aren’t regarded as part of the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’.

There was, to quote the FA’s judgment, clear evidence that Chelsea had “deliberately flouted” the system in a way that “reveals a shameful and arrogant disregard for the rules of the game, and which has done so much to bring the game of football, and the name of CFC, into disrepute”.

To read through the relevant documents is to be reminded, just for starters, that Eden Hazard’s transfer from Lille was one of those over a 13-year period of repeat offending, from 2009 to 2022, when Abramovich’s Chelsea made unofficial payments to unofficial agents.

Hazard is fondly remembered by many Chelsea fans as the most skilful player ever seen at Stamford Bridge. Willian, another player listed in the disciplinary charges, wasn’t too shabby, either.

Maybe you can recall Ramires scoring at the Camp Nou as Chelsea reached the 2012 Champions League final at the expense of Barcelona. Nemanja Matic was another of Chelsea’s serial trophy-collectors. David Luiz, Samuel Eto’o, Andre Schurrle — all these players contributed in some way to Chelsea’s success during the years when various fixers and middlemen were having their palms greased.

In total, £47m was paid out: 44 transactions relating to 32 players, 18 of them being minors.

Ramires celebrates his famous goal away to Barcelona (Josep Lago/AFP via Getty Images)

To be clear, none of these players did anything wrong, and it is worth keeping in mind that Chelsea — the modern-day Chelsea, that is — flagged up the breaches as a result of their due diligence when buying the club in 2022.

For that, the BlueCo consortium deserves some form of credit and, in turn, some level of mitigation when it comes to the punishment. Its executives took the decision early on that it would be better for them in the long run to hand everything over to the authorities and be fully co-operative. And fair enough.

All the same, it is quite something to see how that stance has worked in their favour.

The fine, we learn, was initially set at £26m. It was then reduced by a third to £17.25m because of Chelsea contacting the authorities rather than taking the alternative position, which would have been to cover it up and potentially make matters a whole lot worse. Another third was taken off, reducing it to £11.4m, because of the club’s early guilty plea to all 74 charges. Then it was brought down again to £10m because of unspecified fines that had apparently already been handed out.

That is what is known, in old-fashioned parlance, as a “result”. No court in the land would ever be so lenient as to lop off almost two-thirds of a punishment this way. Inside the football bubble, however, the rules are different. The FA, as such, has let Chelsea off by almost £15m.

The Premier League has already fined Chelsea £10.75m and, three years ago, UEFA, European football’s governing body, imposed a punishment of £8.6m. So it adds up. Yet it’s still peanuts, chickenfeed, for a club of Chelsea’s wealth. The only punishment that would truly have hurt them would have been the kind of points deduction that other clubs have faced for, on the face of it, lesser offences.

Let’s not forget, either, that once BlueCo uncovered what had been going on, it retained £150m as a ‘holdback’ amount from the amount it paid to complete its takeover of the club. Financially, it might even be said this has been a victory of sorts for Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

Boehly and Behdad Eghbali at Stamford Bridge in 2024 (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

And the sport as a whole?

That’s a harder one to argue while trying to figure out how the appeals board could overturn the verdict of the independent regulatory commission, namely that Abramovich’s Chelsea had sought, and gained, a sporting advantage. Because, well, just think about it for a second. What other reason was there if not to get an advantage? Chelsea, lest it be forgotten, won three Premier League titles and their first Champions League during the relevant period.

“We sympathise with the owners of CFC who now have to pay the penalty for the conduct of their arrogant predecessors, who clearly believed they were above the law (at least, metaphorically, in relation to the running of a football club) and that the FA (and Premier League and UEFA) regulations were there to be flouted and not obeyed,” read the FA’s verdict, showing the same kind of disregard for full stops.

“Nevertheless, that conduct was so egregious, so persistent and of such a duration that an overall sanction, while taking account of the mitigation that has rightly been described as ‘very powerful’, must reflect the fact that over a period of 13 years, one of the leading clubs under the umbrella and authority of the FA, if not in Europe, behaved in such a way that the integrity of football, and the competitions in which it was competing, was seriously compromised.”

Strong words, indeed.

Yet Chelsea won their appeal and that meant removing the suspended six-point deduction that, unreported until the last 24 hours, had originally been put in place. Instead, a ban was imposed on Chelsea registering players for two transfer windows. Yet that was also suspended, meaning it will be irrelevant if we are to assume they aren’t planning to break any more rules.

So, all in all, Chelsea can reflect that it hasn’t turned out too badly. Their owners have endured a lot of scrutiny for not being able to sustain the success of the Abramovich era. In this case, however, they are entitled to claim the moral high ground. More relevantly, the fine is not going to hurt them to any real degree.

As for the rule-keepers, the FA and the Premier League might have to understand why so many people are rolling their eyes and wondering whether it is just another case of the bigger and more powerful clubs being spared while the ones further down the ladder get shafted.

And you can forgive the cynicism when, in case it has escaped your attention, there is another disciplinary matter that is currently in the system. You might have heard about it: something to do with Manchester City and at least 115 charges relating to alleged financial breaches, from 2009 to 2018. Remember that one?

Fans arrive at the Etihad Stadium before Manchester City’s game against Arsenal in April (Michael Regan/Getty Images)

It is, after all, almost three and a half years since the Premier League announced the charges. The legal process is slow — glacier-like, indeed — and it can feel almost ludicrous that we are still waiting for a verdict and have no idea when one is coming. The hearing, led by an independent commission, concluded in December 2024.

All that can be said for certain is that City are another club with the wealth to deal with a fine as if it were no more trouble than swatting away a bothersome fly. So we can safely assume they will have been taking a keen interest in what has happened to Chelsea and, in particular, the absence of any sporting sanctions.

It doesn’t automatically mean that, if the case is proven against City, they would get away with a financial penalty. It does, however, make you wonder whether it is leaning that way and, whenever the day comes, whether we will hear the sound of clinking glasses in City’s boardroom, too.

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Huddersfield Giants moving to Dewsbury: Super League side switching home from 2027 season onwards | Rugby League News

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3 minutes ago

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August 9, 2026

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Betfred Super League side Huddersfield Giants have announced they are to leave the town and move to Dewsbury for the 2027 season onwards.

The Giants’ intention is to move into Dewsbury’s Flair Stadium, subject to RFL board approval, investing a projected £10m-plus in developing the ground.

The investment will deliver a transformational upgrade of the venue, including the construction of a new stand that will increase capacity from 5,000 to around 8,000 spectators, creating a viewing area on all four sides of the pitch.

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Huddersfield Giants director of rugby Andy Kelly reflects on what he’s described as the ‘most challenging’ period of time in charge of the club

The redevelopment will also feature refurbishment of the fan concourses, significant upgrades to existing and new hospitality suites, new bars and food areas, both male and female player dressing rooms, and press facilities elevating the stadium to Super League standards.

An agreement has been reached following extensive and amicable negotiations with Betfred Championship team, Dewsbury Rams, and a strong partnership between the two clubs has been forged. The Flair will continue to host the Rams in the newly-upgraded and dual-branded facility.

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Huddersfield Giants prop Tom Burgess joins Jenna, Jon and Sam Tomkins on The Bench

This comes following a period of uncertainty for the Giants after seeking a permanent location in the Huddersfield area.

Owner of the club, Ken Davy OBE, has explored several alternative sites, including The Shay Stadium in Halifax.

Speaking of the decision, Davy said: “It’s no secret that as a club, we have fought to find a home in Huddersfield. We had to move from Fartown, from Leeds Road, and now from the Accu Stadium. But the Huddersfield Giants will not retreat. We will not compromise or quietly shuffle into the shadows.

“While we remain the Huddersfield Giants, I am proud to announce that our stage for the 2027 season and beyond is Dewsbury.

“The Flair Stadium is the perfect location for us, it will have the right capacity and facilities for the Giants and its fans to thrive while we continue the search for our permanent home. Our one giant future starts now.

“My overriding aim is to create a purpose-built stadium within Huddersfield for the Giants to call home. My commitment on that has not wavered. However, that was not feasible for the 2027 season.”

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Highlights of Huddersfield Giants against Hull FC from the Super League

Ralph Rimmer OBE, executive chairman of the Huddersfield Giants, added: “The Giants’ future is bright, and we are excited to lead the club into this new era.

“For fans, the matchday experience will be our focus. A smaller, more intimate ground means the crowd is closer to the action, letting the atmosphere grow and support the team out on the pitch.

“The Flair Stadium offers everything that supporters need from parking and accessibility to corporate hospitality and function rooms.

“We can’t wait to welcome you for the 2027 season and beyond to be a part of the Giant future we have in store.”

Jackson: Dewsbury not yet Super Lsague ready

Huddersfield Giants non-executive director Rebecca Jackson:

“[Dewsbury flair stadium] is not quite Super League ready yet, so we definitely need to bring it up to standard.

“We’ll be spending around £10m – a huge investment – to ensure that it can actually be the place where the Huddersfield Giants can play, and really have the atmosphere for both the fans and our partners – and that means building a new stand too, which is very exciting.

“This is just a medium-term plan. We are still looking to build our own stadium within Huddersfield, which has been something that we’ve worked on for a really long time.

“We’ve just unfortunately not been able to secure a site quite yet with the local authorities, but a lot of discussion has been happening.

“We’re hoping that this is going to be able to be a bit of a stop gap for us – a medium-term solution – to then be able to get back into Huddersfield long term.”

Sky Sports will show every game of the Super League live this season, including two matches each round exclusively live. The remaining five matches will be broadcast on Sky Sports+.

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St Mirren 1 – 0 St Johnstone

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9 minutes ago

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August 9, 2026

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Killian Phillips was on target again to keep St Mirren on top of the Premiership for a second Saturday night.

Phillips followed up his opening-day double at Falkirk with the only goal from the spot as the Paisley side beat visitors St Johnstone.

Goalkeeper Jacob Chapman was the other Buddies hero, saving a spot-kick from Jamie Gullan in the 48th minute.

His opposite number, Toby Steward, had a far less positive influence on proceedings when he conceded the 73rd-minute penalty that settled matters.

The Perth side’s goalkeeper was unaware of the impending presence of Samuel Ramos as he prepared to pick up Declan John’s forward pass and brought down the midfielder when he ran into his path.

Phillips sent Steward the wrong way with the shortest of run-ups to make it two wins from two for Craig McLeish’s side.

Both sides had started their Premiership campaigns with victories and there was little to separate them in the first half.

The only real chance fell for Ramos, who headed Chris Mochrie’s cross straight at Steward. The goalkeeper pushed the ball up in the air and the visitors survived the resultant goalmouth scramble.

Simo Valakari’s side squandered their first serious opportunity, which came after a VAR intervention when referee Ross Hardie ruled Alex Gogic had handled while competing for a throw-in into the box. Chapman dived to his left to stop Gullan’s penalty.

The home side soon lost Marcus Fraser to injury with Liam Donnelly coming on at centre-back.

Gullan looked to make amends when he set up Matty Foulds but the left-back shot just wide on the run.

A double substitution almost paid instant dividends for McLeish as Luke Thomas set up Jake Young to bear down on goal from the left flank. The striker appeared to be held by Cheick Diabate as he shot wide of the far post.

St Mirren got their breakthrough after more attacking play down the left flank and they soon survived a scare when Diabate headed off the post following a corner.

The hosts had a series of shots blocked as they tried to put the game out of sight in the closing stages but they were soon caught on the break and Ruari Paton set up Gullan. The former Hibernian striker lacked conviction though and was foiled by a combination of Steward and Ryan Carr.

St Johnstone kept the pressure on during stoppage time but Young forced a save on the break at the other end and the home side saw out the remaining moments in the opposition half.

What the result means and next fixtures…

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Shergar Cup: Ryan Moore helps Great Britain and Ireland to Ascot crown | Racing News

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15 minutes ago

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August 9, 2026

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Ryan Moore bagged a Shergar Cup double on his return to the competition following a 20-year absence to help his Great Britain and Ireland team win the team event while he was also crowned leading rider over the six races.

Winner of the Silver Saddle on his last appearance at the team-based meeting in 2006, Moore has usually been required to ride on a Group One card in Ireland.

But with that meeting put back 24 hours he was free to attend and delighted the Ascot crowd.

Team Great Britain and Ireland topped the standings on 81 points from Team Hong Kong in second on 62, with Moore’s individual haul of 47 enough to take the Silver Saddle.

He first struck on Dylan Cunha’s Asgard’s Captain (13-2) who stuck to his task gamely to win the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Challenge by a length and a quarter from Yutake Take on Sportingsilvermine for the Rest of the World.

Moore said: “Dylan did say he could be a little bit lazy, but he has an uncomplicated attitude and to just help him through it and it was straightforward, really.

“It’s great to get Dylan a winner here today and the owners will be delighted as they were all looking forward to it, so it’s a good job the horse has performed today.”

In the penultimate Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Classic, he gave Marco Botti’s Archers Bay (5-2) a textbook ride coming home three-and-a-quarter lengths clear of Christophe Lemaire on King Of Berkshire for Team Europe.

Having run in the Italian Derby earlier in the season, he looked the class act and so it proved.

In the closing Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Mile, Moore finished third on Ozat behind the Frida Valle Skar-ridden Crown Board (10-1), but her Team Europe were not in contention for top honours by then.

Saffie Osborne thrives in the team environment and got her name on the scoresheet when Tim Easterby’s Red Spells Danger justified 2-1 favouritism in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint.

Osborne was leading rider in the Racing League on three occasions and is captaining Moore and Dylan Browne McMonagle in Team Great Britain and Ireland.

She said: “I heard a few people knocking this horse today but I thought the track would really suit and it has. I’m just glad I pulled my finger out.

“Looking at the standard of jockeys here today, it’s amazing – look at our team with Ryan Moore and Ireland’s champion jockey.

“The win for me today is that I made Ryan laugh a couple of times, so I’m quite happy with that!”

Team Hong Kong had earlier set the pace winning the first two races.

Jerry Chau gave them the perfect start when partnering Tuco Salamanca to a clear-cut victory in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Dash.

Representing a team making its Shergar Cup debut, Chau, 26, gave Ollie Sangster’s four-year-old the perfect ride, taking a lead into the final furlong before a gap opened up seamlessly.

Tuco Salamanca (4-1) quickened impressively to beat Gold Star Hero, ridden by Chau’s team-mate Vincent Ho, by a length and a half.

Fandom and Suraj Narredu were third for the Rest of the World.

Chau told Sky Sports Racing: “It felt amazing when I hit the line.

“No words can describe riding a winner at Ascot. I grew up watching Ryan Moore on YouTube. I watched him as much as I could.”

Luke Ferraris did not have to wait long to play his part for Team Hong Kong as after an opening race one-two from his team-mates, he drove home Dancing In Paris to win the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers.

Riding the Ian Williams-trained 17-2 shot, Ferraris came with a late run to collar Moore on Andrew Balding’s Shrimp Shady to win by a length.

Mountain Road was third for Yutake Take and the Rest of the World.

Ferraris said: “That’s phenomenal, he’s a lot fitter than me! He was turned out in great order.

“He didn’t settle as good as he should have, but he still produced a great turn of foot.

“I think I’ve only ridden in one two-mile race in recent years, so it was a bit of a change.

“We’ve a good group of young riders representing Hong Kong, so let’s hope it continues.”

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