Two of Chelsea’s rivals have spoken with the Premier League regarding the outcome of the investigation into the club’s £47million payments to agents and third parties. It was revealed on Monday that Chelsea will avoid a points deduction following the inquiry into the previously undisclosed £47m expenditure.

Instead, the Blues were slapped with a £10.75m fine and given a suspended transfer ban on first-team activity, along with a nine-month prohibition on signing academy players, after being found guilty of violating Premier League financial regulations. Chelsea are anticipated to face another hefty fine from the FA, but will evade any sporting sanctions.

Thursday will see the clubs’ regular shareholders’ meeting at the Churchill Hotel in Portman Square in London. However, it is unlikely the issue will be brought up in a public setting.

Reports had suggested senior figures from several top-flight clubs reached out to chair Alison Brittain to question why Chelsea received what was perceived as a lenient penalty.

However, Express Sport understands that two Premier League clubs raised concerns about the sanctions imposed on Chelsea after the league’s chair, Alison Brittain, proactively contacted club shareholders ahead of this week’s meeting.

Seven transfers are at the heart of the Premier League’s investigation. Deals involving Eden Hazard, Ramires, Willian, David Luiz, Andre Schurrle, Nemanja Matic and Samuel Eto’o have all been examined, with alleged payments made to third parties or unlicensed agents. The players involved in the transfers are not accused of any wrongdoing.

The result has led numerous football fans to question the punishment, especially considering past points deductions imposed on Everton, Nottingham Forest and Leicester City due to financial infringements.

Everton, initially penalised with a 10-point deduction and later reduced to six, found themselves in relegation difficulties in 2024 due to excessive spending.

The Toffees are reportedly organising a significant protest at Saturday’s game, which coincidentally is against Chelsea.

Forest and Leicester have also been subjected to points deductions in recent campaigns.