Chelsea's best-case scenario in FFP concerns amid points deduction and relegation threat

Chelsea will be hopeful that they can rest easy when it comes to potential Financial Fair Play rulings in the coming months following on from Everton's punishment last week. The Toffees were charged with an alleged breach in March this year, sending the case to an independent panel for a review.

That hearing was heard in October before a verdict and punishment was agreed upon in mid-November during the international break. The decision that was reached was a ten-point deduction, which has sunk the Merseyside outfit to 19th in the Premier League table and amongst the relegation battle.

Everton slammed the decision in a club statement, where they claimed they were "shocked", while there is still an appeal process available to them. The reality of the large punishment means that any other punishments of a similar level or worse would likely see just as big of a knock back.

That has brought up discussions surrounding Chelsea, following claims that former owner Roman Abramovich had made payments off the books to former employees. If true, that would in theory circumvent profit and sustainability rules and could be in breach of the Premier League's guidelines.

With the potential threat of points deductions and even relegation on the cards, there is plenty to be worried about in relation to any findings. But there's also plenty to be relieved about, so with that said, here's a look at the best case scenario for Chelsea in this situation.

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The first thing to outline is that Chelsea aren't currently under investigation for anything in relation to a potential breach of rules over the past few years. There was already a view from UEFA, but only a fine was required to be paid as the new owners had flagged some potential irregularities and were viewed with leniency in the aftermath.

The same could be the case with the Premier League as the regime have been transparent over their business and have looked to keep themselves separate from that which came before it. Given their lack of involvement in the case, it could allow for any punishment, if proven, to be relatively light.

However, the true best-case scenario is the current one where there is no investigation and no charges, allowing for the club to move on with their business and look to the future.