UEFA has issued fines to several top European clubs, including Chelsea, Barcelona and Aston Villa, for breaching financial sustainability regulations, the governing body confirmed on Friday.
The clubs were found to have broken the football earnings rule, which forms part of UEFA’s updated financial framework.
In addition, Chelsea and Aston Villa were penalised for exceeding limits on squad-related expenditure.
Chelsea received the heaviest punishment, with a €31 million (£26.3 million) fine. The Premier League side could face a further €60 million (£51 million) in penalties if they fail to meet the agreed financial terms over the next four years.
The club has come under scrutiny for its substantial transfer outlay since being taken over by an American-led consortium headed by Todd Boehly in 2022.
Barcelona were handed a €15 million (£12.7 million) fine, with an additional €45 million (£38 million) suspended under a two-year financial compliance agreement.
The Catalan giants have faced persistent financial difficulties in recent seasons, despite efforts to reduce their wage bill and generate revenue through sponsorship deals and asset sales.
Aston Villa, who recently qualified for the Champions League, must pay €11 million (£9.3 million) and could be fined a further €15 million (£12.7 million) if they fail to meet conditions over the next three years.
Meanwhile, the French side Lyon have accepted a fine of €12.5 million (£10.6 million) and agreed to withdraw from European competition should their financial troubles result in relegation to Ligue 2. The club is battling severe economic difficulties, which could impact their future eligibility for continental tournaments.
UEFA introduced its new financial regulations in 2022 to promote greater fiscal responsibility among European clubs.
The revised rules replace the former Financial Fair Play system with a model aimed at long-term sustainability, emphasising spending limits based on earnings and squad costs.
