Chelsea Employee Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Club of Over £200,000
On November 28, 2025, a worker from Chelsea Football Club confessed to embezzling more than £200,000 ($264,000) from the club.
Claire Walsh, 39, entered a guilty plea at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, admitting to fraud by abuse of position that took place between June 8, 2019, and October 23, 2023.
Walsh, who previously held the role of assistant treasury manager at the Premier League team, acknowledged that she illicitly exploited her position to secure £208,521.65 for her personal use.
When prompted to state her plea, Walsh, residing in Elm Park Gardens, Chelsea, responded with a clear “guilty.”
Magistrate Kieran O’Donnell addressed Walsh, stating, “You have been charged with an offence of fraud exceeding £200,000 pertaining to Chelsea Football Club.” He emphasized that her plea exceeded their sentencing capability, indicating she would be referred to a crown court for appropriate sentencing.
The court clerk outlined that Walsh was accused of committing fraud by, while serving as assistant treasury manager—a position entrusted with protecting the financial interests of Chelsea Football Club—dishonestly abusing that role to gain the substantial sum of £208,521.65.
Walsh has been granted unconditional bail and is scheduled to be sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court at a future date yet to be announced.
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