CHELSEA TO ASK FOR EXEMPTION OVER HUGE SPENDING LOSSES

Chelsea are planning to seek exemptions from the Premier league’s spending rules when they submit their accounts at the end of the season. They argue they were unable to receive income for three months last year after the previous owner, Roman abramovich, was sanctioned by the Government.

Under Premier league rules, clubs are permitted to lose £105million over any threeyear period, and Chelsea’s unusual circumstances last season put them at risk of a breach. Chelsea recorded losses of £153.4m in their most recent accounts for the year ending 2021 but, along with other top-flight clubs, were given allowances by the Premier league due to the impact of the pandemic on their finances. It is unclear how the Premier league will respond to Chelsea’s request. Complying with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules may be more of a challenge, after being placed on their so-called watch-list of clubs in danger of breaching the rules.