Juventus Disqualified, Chelsea Settles 10 million euros fine to UEFA

Financial Fair Play (FFP) violations have cast a shadow over two prominent football clubs, Juventus and Chelsea, during the 2022–23 season. As UEFA investigates alleged violations of Club Licensing and FFP rules, the consequences for both clubs have been substantial.

Juventus finds itself disqualified from the upcoming Europa League season, while Chelsea has reached a settlement with UEFA for submitting incomplete financial information during Roman Abramovich’s tenure. This article delves into the repercussions and contrasting approaches taken by the clubs amidst the FFP investigations.

Juventus’ Disqualification and Fine

In a significant blow to Juventus, UEFA announced their disqualification from the Europa League for the upcoming season. The club had broken the terms of a settlement agreement signed in 2022, leading to severe consequences.

In addition to the disqualification, UEFA imposed a substantial fine of €20 million (£17.1 million) on Juventus. Half of the fine is conditional, pending the club’s compliance with financial rules over the next three fiscal years.

Chelsea’s Proactive Compliance and Settlement

Chelsea faced their own set of challenges amid the FFP investigations. Following the club’s sale in May 2022 and Todd Boehly assuming ownership, the new management proactively addressed potential issues. The club identified and reported instances of potentially incomplete financial reporting during Roman Abramovich’s leadership, covering historical transactions between 2012 and 2019.

As a result of Chelsea’s transparency and cooperation, UEFA reached a settlement with the club. Chelsea agreed to pay a fine of €10 million (£8.57 million) for past reporting shortcomings, resolving the matter with the governing body.

Juventus’ Decision on Appeal

Gianluca Ferrero, Juventus’ club president, expressed regret over UEFA’s decision, contesting the interpretation of their defense. Despite the club’s belief in the accuracy of their actions and claims, Juventus made a strategic choice not to appeal the judgment. Lodging an appeal and navigating further levels of judgment would introduce uncertainty regarding the club’s eventual participation in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League.

Juventus’ decision to forgo an appeal aims to provide serenity and certainty for the club, players, fans, sponsors, suppliers, and financial partners during the turbulent aftermath of the FFP investigation. The focus now lies on achieving favorable results on the pitch during the upcoming season.

Juventus’ Serie A Points Deduction

The consequences for Juventus extend beyond European competitions. After a hearing regarding previous transfer negotiations, the club initially faced a severe 15-point deduction in January. However, in April, Italy’s top sporting court overturned the ruling, leading to a re-examination of the matter.

Despite the reduction, Juventus’ ten-point deduction proved significant, costing the club a spot in the top four and qualification for the Champions League. The repercussions of FFP violations continue to reverberate through the Italian football landscape.

UEFA’s relentless pursuit of financial fair play has resulted in substantial repercussions for Juventus and Chelsea. While Juventus grapples with disqualification from the Europa League and a substantial fine, Chelsea’s proactive approach led to a settlement with UEFA. As the clubs navigate the aftermath of the investigations, they face challenges to ensure financial compliance and competitive stability. The impact of these FFP measures will shape the course of their future performances and financial strategies.