UEFA fines top football clubs over financial breaches

Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has fined Chelsea €31m for breaching financial regulations, including €20m for violating football earnings rules and €11m for exceeding squad costs. The club faces a further €60m penalty if targets under a four-year settlement are not met, according to BBC. Aston Villa, Barcelona, and Lyon also got fines, with Villa sentenced to pay €11m. All four teams would be restricted from registering new players in UEFA tournaments. Lyon’s agreement allows Europa League participation, pending a successful appeal against relegation by French financial body DNCG. All clubs must meet full compliance by the end of their agreed settlement periods, BBC reported.