Finance expert reveals Chelsea lifeline in Todd Boehly battle against FFP and point deduction

Kieran Maguire has revealed a 'mitigating factor' which Chelsea could use in their defence if they are given a points deduction. The Blues have been heavily scrutinised for their lavish spending since Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali took the reins at Stamford Bridge, however the new owners have trod carefully.

While the American consortium have forked out almost £1billion on new faces since taking over in May 2022, the West London outfit have also raked in hundreds of millions in player sales. As the Premier League clamp down on those who have breached their profit and sustainability rules, with Everton and Nottingham Forest dealt point deductions, Chelsea – like many other clubs – have walked away scot-free.

In fact, it's those who preceded Boehly and Eghbali that have put the club in a spot of bother. Premier League CEO Richard Masters confirmed in January that Chelsea are being investigated for possible breaches of their Financial Fair Play rules under the previous owner Roman Abramovich.

Masters, who was speaking at the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee alongside EFL chairman Rick Parry, confirmed Chelsea are still being investigated for the events that took place under Abramovich. He said: «On Chelsea, as you know the new owners of Chelsea came forward to UEFA, the FA and Premier League about information of the previous ownership and we are still investigating that. We won't announce the outcome of that until we have completed the investigations.»

Speaking to Football Insider, Maguire noted that a 'self report' by the American consortium could weigh in the club's favour. The football finance expert said: «If Chelsea are charged, it will be the club that is punished and therefore the change of ownership is