Stacking the deck

Since 2019-20 Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal have spent an average of €1.4bn on players. Over the same period, the remainder of the participants in the Premier League have averaged a total outlay of €537m. One club, Chelsea, has a spend in excess of €2bn, four other clubs, Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have a spend in excess of €1bn.

One rule for them you say... hold my beer say the Premier League.

In 2019, the Premier League investigate Manchester City for alleged breaches of financial rules.

In February 2020, UEFA rules that Manchester City are guilty of "serious breaches" of financial fair play rules between 2012 and 2016 and are given a €30m fine and two-year ban from European club competitions.

In the Summer of 2022 Chelsea spend €630m on players (€1.0bn since 2019-20), Manchester United €243m, Manchester City €155m, Liverpool €146m.

In October 2020, Manchester City overturn their two-year ban from European club competition and have their fine reduced to €10m despite being found guilty of serious breaches" of financial fair play rules between 2012 and 2016.

In February 2023, the Premier League charge Manchester City with 115 breaches.

In August 2023, no verdict has been issued for Manchester City's 115 breaches.

In the Summer of 2023 Chelsea spend €464m on players (€1.5bn since 2019-20), Manchester United €211m and Manchester City €260m, Arsenal €235m, Liverpool €172m.

In February 2024, no verdict has been issued for Manchester City's 115 breaches.

In April 2024, Chelsea sell their Stamford Bridge hotels to another company they own for £73.6m.

In July 2024, the Premier League fine Manchester City £2.09m for 22 instances of delaying kick off in the 2023-24 season.

In July 2024, Chelsea avoid PSR non compliance due to one off transactions.

In August 2024, no verdict has been issued for Manchester City's 115 breaches.

In the Summer of 2024 Chelsea spend €282m on players (€1.8bn since 2019-20), Manchester United €246m (€1.2bn) and Manchester City €243m (€1.1bn).

In September 2024, the Premier League clears Chelsea of any wrongdoing for the sale of their Stamford Bridge hotels to another company they own for £73.6m. 

In February 2025, no verdict has been issued for Manchester City's 115 breaches.

In February 2025, Manchester City are reported to the European Commission for improper financing under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation

In March 2025, Chelsea sell their women's team to their parent company for £198.7m.

In June 2025, Chelsea play in the World Club Cup - a competition whose qualification criteria is based on performance in their respective club championships from 2021 to 2024. 2020-21 Chelsea 4th, Villa 11th, 2021-22 Chelsea 3rd, Villa 14th, 2022-23  Chelsea 12th, Villa 7th, 2023-24 Chelsea 6th, Villa 4th.

In July 2025, Chelsea avoid PSR non compliance due to one off transactions for the second successive year.

In July 2025, the Premier League fine Manchester City £1.08m for 9 instances of delaying kick off in the 2024-25 season.

In July 2025, against all expectations, Chelsea win the World Club Cup earning £84m.

In August 2025, no verdict has been issued for Manchester City's 115 breaches.

In the Summer of 2025 Liverpool spend €309m on players, Chelsea €288m to breach the €2bn mark since 2019-20, Manchester United €230m (€1.4bn), Arsenal €224m (€1.2bn) and Manchester City €177m (€1.3bn).