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Did Roman Abramovich allow the rules of financial fair play to be circumvented through secret payments? This is one of the conclusions of the investigation "Cyprus Confidential", conducted by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and published on Wednesday by several media, including "Le Monde".
The study of documents by Cypriot financial services firms revealed that Abramovic, owner of the Chelsea team from 2003 to 2022, personally paid tens of millions of euros to personalities connected to his club through offshore companies.
According to the "Cyprus Confidential" investigation, 10 million pounds (11.2 million euros) were paid in 2017 through an offshore company to the Italian agent Federico Pastorelo. This could correspond to a hidden commission at the time of contract renewal of coach Antonio Conte, possibly represented by Pastorelo.
However, according to this investigation, Eden Hazard's agent, John Biko Penake, received €6.5 million through a shell company in 2013, a few months after signing the Belgian striker. The official justification of the services "regarding research and consulting in the field of sports" also suggests undeclared commissions. These secret payments were also related to the transfers of Samuel Eto'o and Willian.
According to "The Guardian", these transactions may be contrary to the rules of financial fair play, but also to the rules of English football, regarding the honesty of accounts and the declaration of commissions paid to agents and intermediaries. "If it is proven that the club has used transactions with third parties to circumvent the rules of profitability and sustainability, the sanctions will be either a financial penalty or the removal of points (in the championship)", - explains academician Kieran Megajër.
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