UEFA Fines Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United for Squad Cost Ratio Violations
Chelsea has been fined €3 million by UEFA for breaching the squad cost ratio rules, with €2 million of the fine being conditional. The club's squad cost ratio for the 2025 calendar year exceeded the 70% threshold set by UEFA, leading to the fine. Other Premier League clubs, Aston Villa and Newcastle United, have also been fined for the same reason. Aston Villa has been given a €22.5 million conditional fine and a restriction on registering new players for the 2026/27 season, while Newcastle United has been fined €3 million.
Chelsea and Aston Villa were fined last year as well for breaching the rules. Chelsea received a €31 million fine, with a potential additional €60 million if they fail to comply in the next four years. UEFA has stated that part of this year's fine for both Chelsea and Aston Villa is conditional on them significantly reducing their squad cost ratio in 2026.
In addition to the fine, Chelsea's co-owned club, Strasbourg, has also been fined €25 million and given a restriction on registering new players. The portion of the fine exceeding the prize money earned by Strasbourg in UEFA competitions is conditional on the club reducing its squad cost ratio in 2026.
Chelsea had a disappointing season in the Premier League, finishing in 10th place in the 2025/26 campaign. The club will not be participating in UEFA competitions in the upcoming season. The new manager, Xabi Alonso, will be aiming for a better performance in the 2026/27 season.