One of Chelsea’s rivals want to see the Premier League come down hard on them.
Chelsea have been under investigation after it emerged that off-book payments had been made during Roman Abramovich‘s time as owner of the Blues.
It is thought that Chelsea have been trying to negotiate a financial settlement with the Premier League, which does not look to have gone down well at one club.
Chelsea were a huge success under Abramovich because of the kind of money he was able to spend. Chelsea even claim close to signing Franck Ribery for £70m in 2008, showing the Russian’s financial muscle.
Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images
Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images
Premier League club do not want Chelsea to set precedent
Abramovich is no longer at Chelsea, with Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali replacing him as owners.
Nevertheless, one of Chelsea’s Premier League rivals clearly feel that the Blues should be punished with a points deduction.
According to talkSPORT, one club pursuing Champions League football this season fear the Premier League could open the way for rich outfits to pay their way out of a points deduction if they reach a financial settlement with Chelsea after their probe into Abramovich’s conduct.
Enzo Maresca‘s men could pip a few teams to fourth place in the current campaign, sitting there right now.
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It would be a blow to the likes of Newcastle United and Aston Villa, though securing fifth could get someone into Europe’s elite competition next season.
Chelsea can take a step closer to returning to the Champions League with a win against Arsenal on Sunday. Ten years ago, Jose Mourinho insulted Arsenal after their failure to win a league title since 2004, and Blues fans will be hoping that they will also be in a position to mock their London rivals by the end of the weekend.
Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
Premier League clubs also have sympathy for Chelsea’s new owners
While at least one Premier League outfit want to see Chelsea punished severely, it looks like there is some sympathy for the Blues’ current owners in the division.
According to the same talkSPORT report, the general feeling at Stamford Bridge is that clubs have been supportive since it was Chelsea themselves who brought the issue to the Premier League’s attention.
Given Chelsea’s cooperation, it would be a bit of a surprise if they were handed a points penalty, but it is something to keep an eye on.