Chelsea have been fined £10m and given a suspended two-window transfer ban by an independent appeal board after admitting breaches of Football Association agent rules, the FA has announced.

The Blues were charged last September with 74 alleged breaches of the FA’s rules around agent regulations, concerning its use of unauthorised agents or unregistered intermediaries when signing new players and then submitted false and misleading documentation to the FA. They primarily related to the seasons between 2010/11 to 2015/16, which came under the ownership of the Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.

The FA appeal board’s written reasons reveals Chelsea “plainly disregarded” the rules and made undisclosed payments to agents or third-parties when signing players such as the Brazilian forward Willian and striker Samuel Eto’o during that time.

In 2022, after Abramovich was forced into selling Chelsea to BlueCo following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the club’s new owners became aware of historic instances of potential rule-breaking during its due diligence process and self-reported the breaches. The club admitted to all 74 breaches but an independent regulatory commission imposed a six-point deduction, suspended until 2027, as well as a £10m fine.

Chelsea have successfully appealed against the six-point penalty, which was instead replaced by the suspended two-window transfer ban. The club said on Friday that it welcomed the FA’s verdict, although the FA will continue to investigate “individual misconduct arising out of this case”.

Chelsea were separately fined £10.75m and handed a suspended transfer ban in March after reaching a settlement with the Premier League over the same historical breaches, relating to secret payments to players and unlicensed agents during transfers dealings 2011 and 2018.

In 2023, Chelsea also reached a £8.6m settlement with Uefa for “submitting incomplete financial information” between 2012 and 2019. It means the club have been fined a total £29.35m in three different investigations since reporting the breaches to the FA, the Premier League and Uefa. Chelsea also confirmed that the FA’s punishment “brings all regulatory proceedings against the club to a close”.

A club statement said: “Chelsea Football Club is pleased to confirm that a final decision has been reached by The FA’s judicial bodies in relation to historical regulatory matters that were self-reported by the club.

“In 2022, the club self-reported potential historical rule breaches to all applicable regulators. Following that report, it has worked openly and transparently with all regulators, including voluntarily and proactively disclosing many thousands of documents.

“As previously announced, settlement agreements have been entered into with Uefa and the Premier League concerning the same self-reported regulatory matters and topics that have been addressed before.

“The club is pleased to confirm that, now The FA process has concluded, this brings all regulatory proceedings against the club to a close. We are grateful to Uefa, the Premier League and The FA for their engagement with the club throughout these processes.”

In its written reasons, the FA’s independent regulatory commission found that, despite admitting to the breaches, Chelsea did not gain an “actual sporting advantage” and determined that “a sporting sanction of a points deduction, albeit suspended, was an excessive sanction”.

Under Abramovich’s 19-year ownership, between 2003 and 2022, Chelsea won 21 major trophies, including two Champions Leagues, five Premier Leagues, five FA Cups, two League Cups and two Europa Leagues.

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ RJ Abarrientos during a game vs Meralco Bolts in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Barangay Ginebra returned to the win column in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup after defeating a depleted Meralco squad, 84-75, at Mall of Asia Arena on Friday night.

The Gin Kings took advantage of a shorthanded Bolts side missing Bong Quinto, CJ Cansino, Jason Brickman and Raymond Almazan to improve to 2-2 in Group B after their previous loss to Rain or Shine.

“We just trusted our offensive game plan. We trusted each other and we all got momentum so that’s what’s most important for us,” Ginebra guard RJ Abarrientos said.

“Not having Scottie (Thompson) and JB (Justin Brownlee) is such a big loss for us but we’re still whole. We just need to play our roles because nobody can fill both of their shoes. We just need to step up.”

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Riley Grigsby during a game vs Meralco Bolts in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

The Gin Kings took control early against the Bolts, opening an 18-10 lead after the first quarter and never looked back.

Abarrientos topscored for Ginebra with 27 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal. Import Riley Grigsby finished just a rebound shy of a double-double with 25 points and nine boards.

Antonio Hester dominated for the Bolts with a double-double of 24 points and 18 rebounds in the defeat. Chris Banchero, meanwhile, topped all Meralco locals with 15 points.

The win temporarily lifted Ginebra to third place, while Meralco dropped into a tie for fourth with Blackwater at 2-3.

Horse racing has always combined tradition with innovation.

While the sport still follows long established rules and celebrates historic races, digital technology has changed how fans watch, follow, and engage with it. From live streaming and mobile betting to advanced performance data, technology has made racing more accessible and more informed for casual viewers and experienced followers alike.

Many of these changes have happened over the past two decades as internet access, smartphones, and data analysis have become part of everyday life. Today, fans can watch races from different countries, compare statistics within seconds, and place bets from almost anywhere that local regulations allow. The horse racing at NetBet Sport is just one example.

Live streaming has expanded access

Watching horse racing once depended on attending the track or following television broadcasts. Live streaming has changed that by making races available on computers, tablets, and smartphones.

Many racecourses, broadcasters, and licensed betting operators now provide live coverage of domestic and international events. This wider access allows fans to follow races from multiple jurisdictions without needing dedicated television channels.

Streaming has made it easier to watch replays. Viewers can review races to examine how horses performed, how races developed, and how different track conditions affected the outcome.

Data plays a bigger role

Digital platforms provide much more information than printed racecards once could. Form guides now include detailed records covering previous performances, distances, track surfaces, jockey statistics, trainer records, and recent results.

Some services present sectional timing, speed figures, and historical comparisons where available. These statistics help racing enthusiasts evaluate races using objective information rather than opinion alone.

Professional racing teams have adopted technology to support training and performance analysis. GPS tracking, fitness monitoring, and video review help trainers assess conditioning and identify areas for improvement while keeping horse welfare in focus.

Mobile betting has changed fan habits

The growth of smartphones has transformed how many people place bets. Licensed betting apps and websites allow users to browse racecards, compare odds, and manage their accounts without visiting betting shops.

Many platforms include live odds updates, race notifications, and integrated streaming where permitted. These services make it easier for users to follow racing throughout the day.

Regulated operators are also expected to provide responsible gambling tools. Deposit limits, spending summaries, time reminders, and self exclusion options are commonly available to help customers manage their betting activity.

Social media keeps racing connected

Social media has become an important communication channel for racecourses, trainers, jockeys, and racing organizations. Fans can receive updates about declarations, race results, weather conditions, and major announcements in real time.

Behind the scenes content has also become more common. Training videos, interviews, and stable updates give followers a closer look at the preparation involved before race day.

For racing organizations, social media provides a direct way to promote events and engage with audiences without relying solely on traditional media coverage.

Technology supports integrity and welfare

HD race footage, electronic timing systems, and improved data collection help racing officials review races accurately and apply regulations consistently.

Horse welfare has benefited from advances in veterinary technology, diagnostic imaging, and health monitoring. These developments allow medical teams to identify certain health issues earlier and make more informed decisions about treatment and recovery.

Many racing authorities have also introduced digital record keeping for veterinary checks, registrations, and compliance processes, helping improve transparency across the industry.

What the future may bring

Traditional race meetings remain at the heart of the sport, but digital services have changed how people experience them. Whether someone is watching a live stream, reviewing performance statistics, or following updates on their phone, technology has become a practical part of modern horse racing while preserving the competition that has attracted audiences for generations.

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Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is arguably the hottest commodity ahead of this year’s trade deadline. The speculation around Skubal’s future in Detroit started last season when he had one year left on his contract.

The speculation intensified earlier this year before his historic arbitration case, where the two-time Cy Young winner negotiated a record-shattering $32 million salary for the season.

With Skubal reportedly on the table in his final year of contract, the Los Angeles Dodgers have emerged as the strongest suitor. The Dodgers’ interest in Skubal has once again sparked the controversial narrative about the two-time defending World Series winners “ruining” baseball.

The Dodgers’ interest in one of the best players in the league has become a norm over the years. The NL West team has acquired several high-profile names, including two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani on a record-breaking $700 million deal, over the last few years.

Ohtani’s massive deferred contract also raised questions about the Dodgers bending the rules in their favor. However, the Dodgers have been shrewd with their contract deals and have utilised the massive local revenue to build a star-studded team.

The Dodgers’ massive contracts, including a four-year, $240 million deal for Kyle Tucker in January, have the fans asking for a salary cap. While the league proposed a salary cap, the Major League Baseball Players Association has opposed the hard cap.

Will a trade for Skubal make the Dodgers the favorites for athree-peat? Yes. But will it guarantee success? No. Despite their star-studded roster, the Dodgers were pushed to the limits by the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series last year.

The Dodgers’ model might seem unfair to smaller market teams, but their schemes should only encourage other team owners to spend more money for a competitive roster.

Dodgers emerge as favorites for Tarik Skubal ahead of trade deadline

The Dodgers’ aren’t the only team interested in Tarik Skubal but they are front-runners to land the two-time Cy Young winner because of their deep and talented farm systems.

Despite the narrative that the Dodgers are competing only because of their big signings, their talented prospects allow them to move for a high-profile players who is set to become a free agent after the season.

While the Tigers will lose their best player after failed extension negotiations, they will shed his remaining $9.5 million salary and drop below the $244 million competitive balance tax line.