Chelsea in hot water? Why sale of women's team to parent company could land Blues in trouble - explained

Per The Times, the Premier League are poised to investigate the sale of Chelsea's women's team. The Blues transferred ownership to Blueco 22 Midco, their parent company, doing so two days before the end of the 2023-24 football financial year. The deal could be worth tens of millions of pounds, but the Premier League will assess the sale.

The sale, if approved, would help Chelsea meet the league's profit and sustainability rules. The Blues insist they have not attempted to exploit a loophole, and are merely positioning the women's team as separate to the men's. Any deal worth more than £1 million must be assessed by the league, who contract an independent firm to assess whether it is of fair market value.

By way of comparison, The Times explain that Lyon have been valued at £42m ($55m) and the French club are one of the most successful female sides in recent years. It is a benchmark that the investigation will consider.

The Premier League will take their time to assess the deal before any potential ruling is made. Chelsea's women are preparing for the new season and play Gotham FC in a friendly on August 20.