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West Ham United and Chelsea have been hit with combined fines of £625,000 after an Independent Regulatory Commission ruled both clubs breached FA Rule E20.1 following a mass confrontation in their Premier League clash last month.
The sanctions relate to the ill-tempered fixture between West Ham United F.C. and Chelsea F.C. on 31 January 2026, when a late flashpoint in stoppage time escalated into a melee involving the majority of players from both sides.
An Independent Regulatory Commission, chaired by Gareth Farrelly, convened via video conference on 16 February and issued its written reasons on 19 February.
What Happened?
According to the referee’s extraordinary incident report, tensions flared in the 95th minute after Chelsea’s João Pedro and West Ham’s Adama Traoré became aggressive toward one another, resulting in cautions for both players.
The situation quickly escalated into a mass confrontation, with players from across the pitch running in to become involved. Following a VAR review, West Ham defender Jean-Clair Todibo was dismissed for violent conduct.
The Commission reviewed video footage and considered factors including:
- The number of players involved from both teams
- The duration of the incident
- Secondary flare-ups
- The level of aggression shown
- The proximity to supporters
- The fact the match was broadcast live to a global audience
Both clubs admitted the charges and chose to have the case dealt with on the papers rather than at a personal hearing.
The Charges
Both clubs were charged under FA Rule E20.1, which requires clubs to ensure players do not behave in an improper, provocative or violent manner.
The cases were classified as “non-standard” due to the serious nature of the incident and each club’s prior disciplinary record within the previous 12 months.
Chelsea’s charge followed earlier breaches against:
- Aston Villa (27 December 2025 – non-standard)
- Fulham (7 January 2026 – standard case)
West Ham’s charge followed a previous non-standard breach against Nottingham Forest on 18 May 2025.
Chelsea: £325,000 Fine
The Commission noted this was Chelsea’s sixth Rule E20 incident across the current and previous five seasons, and their second non-standard breach within a 12-month period.
Under FA guidance, a second non-standard breach within a year carries an entry-point fine of £250,000, with a maximum of £500,000.
The Commission stated it would have imposed a fine exceeding £400,000 due to the seriousness of the incident and aggravating factors, including players appearing to incite the crowd, but reduced the sanction to £325,000 because of the club’s early admission and cooperation.
West Ham: £300,000 Fine
West Ham were also deemed to have committed their second non-standard breach within 12 months. Their previous non-standard offence resulted in a £60,000 fine in May 2025.
The entry point for their sanction was likewise £250,000. The Commission said it would have imposed a £375,000 fine but reduced it to £300,000 due to the club’s early admission and expressions of contrition.
While acknowledging Todibo’s violent conduct dismissal and Traoré’s role in sparking the incident, the panel concluded a “large number” of West Ham players acted in an improper and provocative manner during the confrontation.
Commission’s Conclusion
The panel emphasised there was “no exact formula” for determining sanction but stressed that penalties must be fair and proportionate, particularly amid increasing scrutiny of football disciplinary decisions.
Ultimately, both clubs were found to have contributed to what the Commission described as a “serious, unsightly incident” in a high-profile televised match.
The decisions are subject to appeal under FA regulations.
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