English football club Chelsea FC has been fined £10.75 million and handed a suspended competition ban after an investigation uncovered secret payments that breached financial regulations in the Premier League.

League authorities found that the payments were made during previous ownership periods and were not properly disclosed in official financial reports. The undisclosed transactions were linked to transfer dealings and other financial arrangements that violated league transparency and compliance rules.

As part of the disciplinary action, Chelsea must pay the substantial fine immediately, while the suspended ban will only take effect if the club commits similar financial breaches within a specified monitoring period.

Officials said the punishment was intended to reinforce strict financial governance across the league and ensure clubs adhere to regulations designed to maintain competitive fairness and transparency.

Chelsea acknowledged the findings and stated that the club has already implemented stronger financial controls under its current management to prevent future violations.

The ruling serves as another reminder of the Premier League’s increasing scrutiny of club finances, particularly as football authorities continue to tighten rules surrounding transfers, hidden payments, and financial disclosures.