(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Match

Aston Villa and Chelsea set for new UEFA financial penalty

Alex Charlton
Alex Charlton

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

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Aston Villa and Chelsea are set to be sanctioned by UEFA ahead of the new season.

This news is another bitter blow for the Villans, who already missed out on Champions League football in unfortunate circumstances.

Aston Villa are said to have breached UEFA spending limits, with clubs allowed to lose £170million over three years, with a revenue cap also in place.

Morgan Rogers Aston Villa
Morgan Rogers had his goal disallowed against Manchester United (credit: Imago)

UEFA sanctions on Aston Villa and Chelsea explained

It has taken Aston Villa some time to reemerge as a continental force after winning the European Cup in 1981.

The West Midlands outfit, like many other clubs, have had to spend money to get to where they are today.

PlayerFeeArrived fromSeason signed
Amadou Onana£50millionEverton2024/25
Moussa Diaby£51.9million (in region of)Bayer Leverkusen2023/24
Ian Maatsen£37.5millionChelsea2024/25
Aston Villa have spent big over the last few seasons

However, their spending has come at a cost after news regarding their outlay over the last few seasons.

Villa and Chelsea are both to be hit with financial penalties for first-time breaches and have been in talks with UEFA’s Club Financial Control Board (CFCB), according to The Times (4 June).

Aston Villa are due to receive a penalty because they have lost more than the £170million limit over three seasons, as set by UEFA.

However, deductions can be made by a club concerning spending on youth and women's teams, as well as stadium and facilities infrastructure.

Chelsea also breached rules on financial losses for last season as UEFA would not allow the Blues to declare income from selling their women's team to a sister company for £200million.

Ian Maatsen Aston Villa
Villa signed Ian Maatsen from Chelsea for £37.5million in 2024 (Credit: Imago)

Villa may have to sell key players this summer

While spending, recruitment, and a top manager have guided the West Midlands club to where they are today, they face a change in strategy.

For years, the Villans have been able to sign quality players and build a squad capable of competing in Europe.

However, now they may have to sell to keep within the PSR rules and to avoid a second UEFA breach.

Emi Martinez is one player who looks to be leaving Villa Park after he waved a teary goodbye in their final home game.

Elsewhere, Ollie Watkins has constantly been touted with a move away, with Arsenal long-term admirers.

Whatever happens, Emery will not want to lose too many of his core players, otherwise, the Villans will be on the decline.

UEFA
www.astonvillanews.co.uk