Chelsea takeover of women's team under scrutiny

The Premier League will review the takeover of Chelsea Women by the club’s parent company to ensure it complies with rules on fair market value and associated-party deals.

Chelsea last month transferred the ownership of their women’s team to BlueCo 22 Midco, two days before the deadline for 2023-24 finances to be registered.

The deal could be worth tens of millions of pounds to Chelsea FC Holdings and help the club comply with Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules.

The move has come under scrutiny, but Chelsea sources insist the transfer of the women’s team was a necessary move to help attract outside investment and help the side grow.

Any associated party deal valued at more than £1million has to be approved by the Premier League, with an independent firm determining whether it is of fair market value or has been artificially inflated. The independent valuation would be expected to compare it with other women’s teams.

The Premier League will review the takeover of Chelsea Women by the club’s parent company to ensure it complies with rules on fair market value and associated party deals.

A club statement from Chelsea in May read: “Chelsea Women will be repositioned so that it sits alongside, rather than beneath, the men's team.

“Any investor into a WSL team is required to invest through a men's team. BDT & MSD Partners has been engaged as financial advisor on a potential minority investment in the club, inclusive of evaluating interest related to Chelsea Women.”

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