Chelsea endured a turbulent 2025-26 campaign following their FIFA Club World Cup triumph in July 2025.
Enzo Maresca left in January 2026, while replacement Liam Rosenior lasted just over 100 days.
Chelsea then appointed Xabi Alonso as their new permanent manager ahead of the upcoming campaign.
The Blues have also spent heavily during another busy summer transfer window. Morgan Rogers arrived from Aston Villa for a club-record £117 million.
Meanwhile, Chelsea also signed Maxence Lacroix, Geovany Quenda, Marco Palestra, Valentin Barco and Pep Chavarria.
However, developments away from the pitch could now bring unwanted attention to the club.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Chelsea owner Mark Walter is under federal investigation involving $21 billion in related-party loans.
Two Delaware insurers owned by Walter failed to disclose the loans to state insurance regulators.
The loans reportedly went to companies connected with Walter or his TWG Global holdings company.
The seriousness of the investigation has also resulted in subpoenas being served on the insurers. Federal authorities reportedly seized Walter’s cellphone and laptop as well.
However, the investigation remains ongoing, and investigations by prosecutors and securities regulators can ultimately result in no action.
Walter also owns the Los Angeles Dodgers and took a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers last year.
So far, there is no indication that the investigation has affected his ownership stakes in those teams or Chelsea. The insurers initially reported having $1 billion in related-party loans.
However, internal investigations later resulted in $21 billion worth of loans being reclassified as related.
Walter has not publicly commented on the investigation. However, a TWG spokesperson defended Walter and the company amid the ongoing probe.
Want to get the latest transfer news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
