The Football Association has formally charged Chelsea Football Club following an incident that occurred after their Premier League fixture against Aston Villa.
The FA's Statement and Specific Charge
Chelsea have been accused of a breach of FA Rule E20.1 in relation to the match at Stamford Bridge on Saturday 27 December 2025. The governing body alleges that the club failed to ensure that its players and other personnel situated around the technical area conducted themselves properly after the final whistle.
The FA's statement, released on Friday, claims individuals behaved in an "improper and/or provocative and/or abusive" manner. This is understood to be connected to an object, reported to be a water bottle, being thrown in the direction of the Aston Villa bench once the game had concluded.
Chelsea's Deadline and Investigation
The London club has been given a strict deadline to reply to the charge. Chelsea must provide a formal response to the FA by Monday 12 January 2026.
It is understood that Chelsea are conducting their own internal investigation into the events that unfolded on the touchline after the match. The outcome of this probe will likely form the basis of their submission to the football authorities.
Potential Consequences and Context
Breaches of FA Rule E20, which concerns the conduct of club staff and players in the technical area, can result in significant penalties. These often include substantial fines. The charge places further scrutiny on the club during the current season.
This incident adds to the narrative of a highly competitive Premier League encounter between the two sides at Stamford Bridge in late December. The FA's swift action underscores its commitment to enforcing touchline discipline.
All eyes will now be on Chelsea's official response, due early next week, which will determine the next steps in this disciplinary process.
