Barcelona face points deduction with Chelsea & Aston Villa also in hot water

They are not alone in this predicament, as Chelsea and Aston Villa are also at risk of punishment for financial fair play breaches.

Reports indicate that Barcelona will enter the next Champions League campaign with the possibility of a points deduction looming over them.

This would mark the second time in recent years that the Catalan club has violated financial regulations, having previously been fined for similar issues. UEFA is expected to impose stricter penalties this time.

Chelsea, under Todd Boehly’s ownership, has spent heavily in recent seasons, and their return to the Champions League could come with financial consequences.

Enzo Maresca’s squad finished fourth in the Premier League and won the Europa Conference League, but they may begin their Champions League campaign at a disadvantage.

Aston Villa narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification after a dramatic final-day defeat to Manchester United. Instead, they will compete in the Europa League, where they are considered strong contenders.

However, like Chelsea, Villa could face sanctions from UEFA for breaching financial fair play rules, potentially impacting their tournament preparations.

Both English clubs are reportedly in discussions with UEFA’s Club Financial Control Board to negotiate a financial settlement.