Chelsea have confirmed they made a huge loss of £96.6million in the financial year ending June 30 2019 having missed out on Champions League football that season.
The club had achieved a profit in both 2017 and 2018, but failing to qualify for the top-level European competition in Antonio Conte's final season - as well as compensation for the Italian - was identified as reason's for the losses.
This set of results also do not include payments for a number of players sales, including the initial £90million fee from Real Madrid for Eden Hazard, who joined the Spaniards for a transfer sum rising to £150m.
Chairman Bruce Buck said: ‘Consistent revenue growth and careful financial management over recent seasons has allowed the Club to make significant levels of investment in the playing staff whilst maintaining compliance with UEFA Financial Fair Play regulations.
'This has contributed to another Europa League victory at the end of the 2018/19 season and a return to the highest level of European competition.
‘This solid commercial foundation, allied to a young and exciting team now led by Frank Lampard, means that the Club is well placed to sustain its pursuit of success both on and off the pitch as well as maintain its financial stability over the coming years.’