Ghosts of Roman's past: Chelsea facing penalties because of Eto'o and Willian deals

As if what Chelsea fans are going through since Roman Abramovich was 'chased' away from the club's helm is not hard enough. The results have been disappointing, to say the least; the club structure has been evidently shaken - it is just a nightmare for the Blues lately.

Abramovich sold Chelsea to American businessman Todd Boehly last year in a 4.8 billion euro deal after the government sanctioned the former owner in March following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and since the London club has been on a wobbly journey.

The newest batch of bad news came in the form of a transfer-related investigation, regarding 2013 deals with then-Russian Premier League side Anzhi Makhachkala in which Chelsea signed Samuel Eto'o and Willian.

As claimed by The Times, a Premier League investigation into the club's dealings during the Abramovich era is looking at secret payments made by the club when they signed the duo of forwards.

The former Blues pair completed their transfers to Stamford Bridge in August 2013 and have been flagged for further investigation.

Financial records reportedly suggest that in addition to the transfer payments being made by Chelsea, there was further payments that may have been sent to so-called 'Russian entities'.

Brazilian winger Willian joined Chelsea in a 34 million euro deal from Anzhi 10-years ago after initially appearing set to join Tottenham. Former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker Eto'o followed in the same transfer window after taking a 11.5 million pay cut to be part of Jose Mourinho's squad at Chelsea.

There is no suggestion either player were aware of the associated dealings, however, their transfers form part of an ongoing investigation into the club under Abramovich's reign.

Chelsea released a statement in response to the claims, explaining the payments aren't in relation to any individual currently at the club.

'These allegations pre-date the club's current ownership. They concern entities that were allegedly controlled by the club's former owner and do not relate to any individual who is presently at the club,' the statement read.

'Chelsea FC's ownership group completed its purchase of the club on May 30, 2022. During a thorough due diligence process prior to completion of the purchase, the ownership group became aware of potentially incomplete financial reporting concerning historical transactions during the club's previous ownership.

'Immediately following the completion of the purchase, the club proactively self-reported these matters to all applicable football regulators.

'In accordance with the club's ownership group's core principles of full compliance and transparency the club has proactively assisted the applicable regulators with their investigations and will continue to do so.'

It is not yet determined what the penalty will be if the investigation proves Chelsea were doing some 'shady' business, but it should not be a surprise if it combines point deduction, financial repercussions and potential temporary transfer bans (the latter being something the London Blues are not unfamiliar with).

Anzhi Makhachkala had an intensive rise in the early 2010s, collecting star players from around the globe, names such as Lassana Diarra, Lacina Traore, Mbark Boussoufa, Yuri Zhirkov, Christopher Samba, Roberto Carlos as coach were brought. Anzhi even recorded their best placement in the Russian top tier standing, ending the 2012/13 season as third and reaching their second Russian Cup final. The fall soon came as impractical spending came to haunt the club, which gradually resulted in the club being dissolved in 2022.

As far as on-pitch trouble for Chelsea, more of it is on the way as the Blues face the league leaders and fearsome town rivals Tottenham in their next Premier League challenge.