The Times have reported that the Premier League are investigating two Chelsea transfers from ten years ago, after the club self reported some tricksy dealings under Roman Abramovich’s ownership.
Both Willian and Samuel Eto’o joined Chelsea from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013, and both moves are now being investigated because of reported secret payments from Chelsea’s Russian owner Abramovich.
The billionaire sold the club to Todd Boehly last year in a £4.2bn deal following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Financial records reportedly show that further payments were made to “Russian entities” beyond the £30m paid to Anzhi for Willian. Chelsea have this evening released a statement pointing out that the payments aren’t related to any individual currently at the club.
“These allegations pre-date the club’s current ownership. They concern entities that were allegedly controlled by the club’s former owner and do not relate to any individual who is presently at the club.”
It seems they have come to light during the due diligence being done by the new ownership, who have handed themselves in to minimise punishment.
