Chelsea handed European boost ahead of Servette game despite UEFA statement on financial restrictions

UEFA has announced that it will not accept financial statements that allow clubs to register income from selling assets to sister companies, according to a report by The Times on Wednesday night, 24 hours before Chelsea's game against Servette on Thursday night.

In the Premier League, clubs are still permitted to register profits from sales of assets to associated companies. Ironically, the English Football League (EFL), which governs clubs in the Championship, League One, and League Two, has already banned such loopholes.

UEFA's statement puts Chelsea in a complicated situation after they reportedly registered the sale of two hotels to a sister company for £76.5 million, as well as the sale of the women’s team to the club’s parent company.

According to The Times, UEFA’s statement also emphasized that each case will be determined on an individual basis, rather than being subject to a rigid set of rules.

The report also revealed that any sanction or settlement for a breach of UEFA’s financial rules would not affect Chelsea's participation in this season’s Conference League, but would be applied before next season. This means that if Chelsea is found to have committed any wrongdoing, they would only be punished in the next season, avoiding disruptions to their current arrangements.

Chelsea sources have maintained that the club believes it is in full compliance with UEFA’s profit and sustainability rules, despite the influx of players in the last two transfer windows.

The new owners have successfully reduced Chelsea’s wage bill while increasing the talent level and building for the future. They hope that, over time, the benefits of their long-term investments will be reflected both on and off the pitch.

The news that any future ruling will not affect this current season will be a massive boost to the team ahead of their game against Servette tonight, as they look to finish off the playoff after winning the first leg 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.