UEFA fines Chelsea and Aston Villa over 2023–24 breaches

UEFA has fined nine clubs, including Chelsea, Aston Villa, Barcelona and Lyon, millions of euros for breaching Financial Sustainability and Fair Play regulations. Reviewing club spending for the 2023 and 2024 financial years, UEFA only accepted “genuine and recurring income” sources, excluding player swaps, related party transactions and asset sales.

€31 million direct fine for Chelsea

Chelsea received the highest direct financial penalty among all clubs. According to the UEFA Club Financial Control Body’s (CFCB) official announcement dated 4 July 2025, Chelsea was fined a total of €31 million under two categories, both unconditional:

• €20 million: Violation of football earnings rules

• €11 million: Exceeding squad cost limits

These fines were issued due to breaches of UEFA’s financial sustainability thresholds, particularly the 80% spending-to-income ratio. The club has also signed a four-year settlement agreement with UEFA. If further breaches occur, Chelsea could face an additional penalty of up to €60 million.

The BBC also reported the development on 4 July:

“Chelsea were fined €31m by UEFA – €20m for failing to meet football earnings rules, and €11m for exceeding squad cost limits.”

Chelsea’s participation in the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League places the club under increased scrutiny from UEFA.

€11 million fine for Aston Villa: €15 million conditional risk looms

Another Premier League club fined by UEFA was Aston Villa. The Birmingham side was handed an unconditional €11 million penalty for similar breaches in revenue and squad expenditure limits. According to UEFA’s statement, Aston Villa will also undergo three years of financial monitoring, and may face up to €15 million in additional fines if violations persist. Aston Villa will be under UEFA scrutiny as they enter the 2025–26 Europa League.

Barcelona and Lyon also hit with major penalties

Spanish giants Barcelona were fined €15 million by UEFA for financial balance violations. The club will be subject to financial oversight for the next two seasons. If similar breaches continue, Barcelona risks an additional €45 million fine.

French club Olympique Lyon were handed a €12.5 million penalty. The club will be under financial surveillance for four years and could face an extra €37.5 million fine for future rule breaches.

Beşiktaş, Roma, Porto and Panathinaikos also included

Other clubs fined by UEFA include Beşiktaş, Roma, Porto and Panathinaikos. Italian club Roma was fined €3 million. UEFA is expected to disclose the penalty details for Beşiktaş and others in the coming weeks.

New monitoring process: Conditional fines could extend to 2028

UEFA has confirmed that “unconditional” financial penalties will be enforced during the 2025/26 and 2026/27 seasons, while “conditional” penalties could be applied in the 2028/29 season if clubs report losses in 2027. UEFA clarified that only genuine, recurring income will be accepted – manipulative transactions will no longer count.