CHELSEA GIVEN BAN AND RECORD- BREAKING FINE FOR BREACHING PREMIER LEAGUE RULES

Chelsea have been handed an immediate transfer ban and record £10.75m fine by the Premier League after breaching their rules.

The rule breaks are in relation to three different areas - Financial Reporting, Third Party Investment and Youth Development.

The Premier League have concluded two separate disciplinary processes after Chelsea owners BlueCo, a consortium led by Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly, voluntarily self-reported potential historical breaches of rules in 2022 under previous owner, Roman Abramovich.

Chelsea Transfer Bans Explained

Chelsea have been found guilty of making undisclosed payments by third parties associated with the club, including unregistered agents, players and other third parties.

After assessing a series of recalculations of the club’s historical financial submissions, the Premier League have given Chelsea a £10m fine - the biggest in Premier League history - and a suspended one-year first team transfer ban, which is suspended for two years.

The Premier League Board decided that the club’s proactive self-reporting, admissions of breach and exceptional cooperation throughout the investigation were key to them handing out an appropriate sanction.

The Premier League also investigated potential breaches of the Premier League's youth development rules, with a separate transfer sanction being agreed with Chelsea. They have received an immediate nine-month ban from registering academy players purchased from Premier League and EFL clubs, as well as a £750,000 fine.

Premier League Release Statement

The Premier League released a statement on Monday afternoon:

'The Premier League has concluded two separate disciplinary processes involving Chelsea Football Club, following the Club voluntarily self-report to bying potential historical breaches of rules.

'Two sanction agreements have been ratified by an independent Commission under which Chelsea FC has accepted fines totalling £10.75 million for breaches of the Premier League’s rules relating to Financial Reporting, Third Party Investment and Youth Development.

'The Club has been sanctioned by the Premier League with an immediate nine-month Academy Transfer ban and a suspended one-year first-team player transfer ban (suspended for two years).

'The Premier League has completed a disciplinary process with Chelsea FC in respect of historical breaches relating to Financial Reporting and Third Party Investment. In 2022, Chelsea FC’s current owners voluntarily reported to the League that they had evidence of potential breaches of Premier League Rules.

'As a result of the Premier League’s investigation, it was established that between 2011 and 2018, undisclosed payments by third parties associated with the club were made to players, unregistered agents and other third parties. These payments were not disclosed to the football regulatory authorities at the time, including the Premier League. The payments were made for the benefit of Chelsea FC and should have been treated as having been made by the club. The club has also accepted, among other things, that the making of these payments, as well as the failure to disclose them to the League, constituted a breach of the requirement to act in good faith towards the League.

The Premier League assessed a series of recalculations of the club’s historical financial submissions which took into account the payments made for the benefit of Chelsea FC. Importantly, having undertaken that assessment, the Premier League Board was satisfied that in no scenario would the club have breached the League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules during the relevant periods, had the relevant payments been properly included in the club’s historical financial submissions.

'When considering the appropriate sanction, the Premier League Board noted that the club’s proactive self-reporting, admissions of breach and exceptional cooperation throughout the investigation acted as significant mitigating factors.

'The Premier League and Chelsea FC have now entered into a sanction agreement under which the club accepts a £10 million fine and a suspended one-year first team transfer ban (suspended for two years).

'In addition, the League also investigated potential breaches of the Premier League’s Youth Development Rules, committed by a former senior employee, relating to the club’s registration of Academy players between 2019 and 2022. This followed a further voluntary report by the club in 2025.

'As a result of this additional investigation, a separate sanction agreement has been entered into with Chelsea FC, under which the club has accepted an immediate nine-month ban from registering Academy players from Premier League and EFL clubs. The club will also pay a £750,000 fine.

'All sanctions will take effect immediately with the club also paying the full costs of the League’s investigation and disciplinary processes.

'In accordance with Premier League Rules, the sanction agreements with the club have been reviewed and approved by three members of the League’s independent Judicial Panel.

'A separate FA disciplinary process involving the club’s alleged breaches of FA Regulations arising out of similar conduct remains ongoing. In 2022, Chelsea FC also reported to UEFA the historic breaches which resulted in the CFCB First Chamber entering into a settlement agreement with the club. Chelsea FC paid a financial contribution of €10 million (£8.6 million).'

- James Beavis

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Aryna Sabalenka saved a match point on the way to a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) victory over Elena Rybakina on Sunday to claim a long-awaited first Indian Wells title.

Aryna Sabalenka ended a frustrating run of finals futility against Elena Rybakina.

Aryna Sabalenka saved a match point on the way to a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) victory over Elena Rybakina on Sunday to claim a long-awaited first Indian Wells title. Sabalenka ended a frustrating run of finals futility against Rybakina, who had won their last four title clashes starting with a triumph at Indian Wells in 2023 and including a nail-biter at the Australian Open in January. Sabalenka rallied from a break down in the second set and fought off a match point trailing 5-6 in the tiebreaker before finally gaining the longed-for title -- and a healthy measure of revenge.

"Thanks God I got this trophy," said Sabalenka, who lost to Russian teen Mirra Andreeva in last year's final.

She had appeared on her way with a break for 2-1 in the third set. But Rybakina piled on the return pressure to break back for 5-5 and fought off five break points in the next game.

Deflated but determined, Sabalenka held at love to force the tiebreaker, rallying from 3-5 down before saving match point with a stunning backhand winner. She won the next point on Rybakina's serve and delivered another massive serve herself to seal it.

"On that five-all game, I was really upset each time I would miss her second serve," Sabalenka said. "I felt like I had a lot of opportunities in that game, which I didn't use. I didn't feel my best, for sure, after that game.

"But what I'm happy with is that in the next one I was able to pull out great serves to get that game and get into the tiebreak."

Sabalenka said that the "boiling" temperature on court had her "dying" in the tiebreaker, but she could see that Rybakina was affected, too.

"So I was trying to push myself basically to the limit," Sabalenka said. "I'm super happy that in those last three points of the match, I was able to pull out really great tennis and get the win."

The latest clash between the big-serving, big-hitting rivals was again a match of razor-thin margins.

Rybakina converted the only break point of the opening set for a 4-2 lead and backed up the break with a love game.

It wasn't until she served for the set that Rybakina lost two points in a service game. But after falling behind 0-30 she powered back, giving herself a set point with an ace and pocketing the set when Sabalenka's backhand down the line slipped wide.

A double-fault on break point in the opening game of the second set left Sabalenka in a world of trouble.

- 'Big drop' -

But despite her obvious frustration Sabalenka dug in, winning the next four games to take a 4-1 lead.

She broke Rybakina at love to level the set at 1-1 and saved two more break points in a marathon third game.

Rybakina, her forehand errors rising along with the desert heat, double-faulted on break point to hand Sabalenka a 3-1 lead, Sabalenka holding with ease to make it 4-1 before Rybakina stopped the rot.

Sabalenka had to fend off a break point for 5-2 and saved another one with an ace as she served out the set.

"I think the first set I played really well, and I was much more with the energy. Second set, big drop," Rybakina said. "Then in the third, I think for both of us was quite difficult."

Sabalenka will now head into her Miami Open title defense aiming to complete the "Sunshine Double."

Rybakina will arrive in Miami ranked second in the world, climbing one spot to overtake Poland's Iga Swiatek.

- Agence-France Presse

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LEWIS HAMILTON FOLLOWS UP FIRST FERRARI PODIUM WITH OSCARS WIN

The F1 Movie, nominated for four Academy Awards, won an Oscar on Sunday night.

Hamilton scored his first Grand Prix podium with Ferrari in China

Lewis Hamilton is now an Oscar-winning film producer after the Formula 1 movie picked up the gong for Best Sound.

F1, which Hamilton co-produced and had a cameo in alongside Brad Pitt, secured the Oscar for Best Sound at Sunday night’s prestigious awards ceremony in Los Angeles.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton worked closely on the blockbuster alongside director Joseph Kosinski and lead producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

As well as giving advice on the script and his insight into the world of F1, Hamilton also took part in a driving day with Pitt.

Hamilton was unable to attend the Oscars because of his clashing commitments at the Chinese Grand Prix.

The 41-year-old Briton celebrated his first grand prix podium with Ferrari by beating team-mate Charles Leclerc to third place following a thrilling battle.

Hamilton finished behind the dominant Mercedes duo of Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who claimed his first F1 victory, and former Silver Arrows team-mate George Russell.

Speaking ahead of the weekend, Hamilton confirmed he would not be able to make the Academy Awards on time.

"I think it's impossible," Hamilton said. "I've looked at every way to get there in time, but unfortunately I can't get there.

"But I'll FaceTime with Joe and Jerry when they're there, which will be cool.

"I'm incredibly proud, and I never ever thought in a million years that that would be the outcome of the work that we're doing over the past years.

"It's amazing to see. I don't know if it's the sport, but to see how much promotion there is around the world, to see the buzz, to see new people getting excited for the sport, in the way that so many of us were growing up.

"It's really great to see that that is expanding. And on top of that, I'm still here, still to be a part of it and witness it.”

The F1 movie also won a BAFTA for Best Sound in London last month.

It was nominated for four Oscars in total, including Best Picture and Visual Effects.

It became the highest-grossing original film of 2025, making over $600m globally.

It was also Pitt’s most successful project, beating World War Z in 2013.

Bruckheimer has confirmed that a sequel to the F1 blockbuster is officially in the works, with Hamilton already working on the first script.

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NIGERIA/CONGO-KINSASHA: WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS - FIFA SANCTIONS NIGERIA, DR CONGO

The Nigeria-DR Congo match has remained a focal point of discussion following the controversial end to Super Eagles' World Cup qualification hopes.

The world football governing body, FIFA, has sanctioned both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Congolese Football Association following disciplinary incidents recorded during a 2026 World Cup qualifying fixture between the two countries.

According to FIFA's latest disciplinary overview for World Cup qualifying matches, the two football bodies were found guilty of separate infractions during the encounter played on 16 November 2025.

FIFA stated that Nigeria was penalised for a breach relating to order and security at matches, specifically involving the throwing of objects by spectators during the game.

The offence falls under Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, for which the NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss Francs.

The Congolese federation, however, received a heavier sanction after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match.

The act contravenes Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, leading FIFA to impose a fine of 5,000 Swiss Francs on the DR Congo Football Association.

FIFA emphasised that disciplinary decisions are taken based on the circumstances of each case and may still be subject to appeal.

The governing body also noted that the summary of sanctions released publicly is mainly intended to inform the media, while the official legal decisions are communicated directly to the concerned federations.

Wider context

The Nigeria-DR Congo match has remained a focal point of discussion following the controversial end to Nigeria's World Cup qualification hopes.

"As far as FIFA is concerned, once you have the passport of your country, you are eligible. But our concern is that FIFA may have been deceived into clearing them," he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has urged caution against interpreting recent developments as a final verdict on Nigeria's complaint.

Mr Dikko believes the listing of DR Congo among the teams preparing for the intercontinental play-off tournament does not mean that FIFA has already made a final decision on Nigeria's petition.

"As far as we know, FIFA is yet to give its verdict," Mr Dikko said, according to ThisDay Newspaper. "We are monitoring the situation closely.

"The fact that DR Congo appears among the six nations to compete for the final two spots in the playoff is not enough to jump to the conclusion that FIFA has thrown out Nigeria's petition. Some nations are also preparing for friendly matches. Things will change as soon as the FIFA verdict comes out."

Nigeria's hopes of progressing further in the qualification series were dashed last November after the Super Eagles lost to DR Congo on penalties in the final round of the African qualifying play-offs.

Following that defeat, the NFF submitted a formal petition to FIFA questioning the eligibility of several DR Congo players.

Nigeria's protest centres on the argument that DR Congo's domestic law does not recognise dual citizenship for adults, raising questions about players who reportedly hold European passports while representing the Leopards.

NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi earlier explained the federation's concerns.

"As far as FIFA is concerned, once you have the passport of your country, you are eligible. But our concern is that FIFA may have been deceived into clearing them," he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has urged caution against interpreting recent developments as a final verdict on Nigeria's complaint.

Mr Dikko believes the listing of DR Congo among the teams preparing for the intercontinental play-off tournament does not mean that FIFA has already made a final decision on Nigeria's petition.

"As far as we know, FIFA is yet to give its verdict," Mr Dikko said, according to ThisDay Newspaper. "We are monitoring the situation closely.

"The fact that DR Congo appears among the six nations to compete for the final two spots in the playoff is not enough to jump to the conclusion that FIFA has thrown out Nigeria's petition. Some nations are also preparing for friendly matches. Things will change as soon as the FIFA verdict comes out."

He added that FIFA typically informs all parties involved before delivering a final decision in sensitive matters.

"The FIFA we all know has a channel to pass such sensitive information across to the parties involved. The name of DR Congo appears on the fixtures for now because the matter brought before FIFA has not been decided.

"We are very hopeful that Nigeria will win the eligibility case, and the Super Eagles will proceed to play in the playoff, and possibly make the World Cup party. I want all Nigerians to remain calm and wait for the final verdict."

DR Congo is currently listed among the teams preparing for the intercontinental play-off tournament as the race for the final places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies.

- Tunde Eludini, Premium Times (Abuja)

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UEFA POINT FINGER AT ARGENTINE FA AS LA FINALISSIMA CANCELATION CONFIRMED

 UEFA have confirmed the unfortunate news that the 2026 La Finalissima, which was due to be played between Spain and Argentina, has been cancelled with immediate effect.

The match, which was scheduled for later this month, was originally set for Doha, but due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, it was moved. Real Madrid’s Bernabeu stadium had been proposed as the new venue, but the Argentinian Football Association turned this option down, as UEFA have now confirmed in their statement announcing the cancellation of La Finalissima.

“After much discussion between UEFA and the organising authorities in Qatar, it is announced today that due to the current political situation in the region, the Finalissima between UEFA EURO 2024 winners Spain and CONMEBOL Copa América 2024 champions Argentina cannot be played as hoped in Qatar on 27 March.

“With strong determination to save the important fixture, and despite the understandable difficulties of relocating a match of such importance at extremely short notice, UEFA explored other feasible alternatives but each ultimately proved unacceptable to the Argentinian Football Association.

“The first option was to stage the match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on the original date with a 50:50 split of supporters in the stadium. This would have provided a world class setting, befitting of such a prestigious event, but Argentina refused.

“The second was to stage the Finalissima over two legs – one at the Santiago Bernabeu on 27 March and the other in Buenos Aires during an international window before UEFA EURO and Copa America 2028, again offering a supporter split of 50:50 for the match in Madrid. This option was also rejected.

"Ultimately, UEFA sought a commitment from Argentina that, if a neutral venue in Europe could be found, the game could go ahead on 27 March, as planned and announced on 18 December 2025, or on the alternative date of 30 March. This proposal was also rejected.

“Argentina made a counter suggestion to play the game after the World Cup but, as Spain has no available dates, that option had to be ruled out. Finally, and contrary to the original agreed plan that the match would take place on 27 March, Argentina declared its availability to play exclusively on 31 March, a date which proved to be unworkable.

“As a result, and to UEFA’s regret, this edition of the Finalissima has been cancelled.”

Spanish Football Federation react to cancellation

In their own statement, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have since acknowledged the news that La Finalissima has been cancelled.

“From the first minute, the Federation has expressed its absolute interest in this match being maintained, considering that it gives prestige and international reputation in an essential window in a World Cup year. And, in addition, he has worked intensely for it.

“Spain was willing to play as has always been pointed out. We have not set conditions. From the first moment we have gone hand in hand with UEFA to reach an agreement and all the possibilities have been offered:

• To host the match in our country, given that there is a key organizational capacity that would allow it to be held successfully in a short space of time.

• Hold the match at a neutral venue.

• Celebrate the match in a different format.

“Spain has offered, hand in hand with UEFA, all the possibilities, despite which, and given the situation, the Finalissima has been cancelled.

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