UEFA Warns Chelsea, Aston Villa Over Inflated Swap Deals

UEFA has issued warnings and imposed fines on Chelsea and Aston Villa over inflated player swap deals used to manipulate financial statements and comply with Profitability and Sustainability Rules. Chelsea received a €31 million fine, potentially rising to €91 million, while Aston Villa was fined €11 million, with the potential to increase to €26 million, and both clubs face possible bans from European competitions if they breach settlement agreements. These warnings come amid speculation of a new swap deal involving Chelsea’s interest in Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, valued around £80-90 million, which Villa is keen to resist to maintain their positive project under Unai Emery. The swap deals previously involved players like Ian Maatsen and Omari Kellyman, with UEFA scrutinizing such transactions for financial fairness. Emile Heskey has advised Rogers against a move to Chelsea, citing limited playing opportunities behind other players. Chelsea’s strategy of signing younger, lower-wage players has given them flexibility in the transfer market, but high earners like Raheem Sterling and Joao Felix are currently consuming significant wage budgets, adding complexity to their financial management.