Chelsea’s dreadful form in recent weeks has all but put them out of contention in the race for Champions League qualification, which could have devastating consequences for the income-needing Blues.

According to The Times , failure to qualify to the Champions League in 2026–27 could result in Chelsea breaching a settlement agreed with UEFA last summer. The Blues were fined a total of $35.9 million (€31 million, £26.9 million) for breaching the governing body’s financial rules in the past.

Further fines and a suspended one-season ban from European competitions were included by UEFA in the settlement should Chelsea breach the rules again in the next four years.…