On Thursday, the U.K. government announced sanctions against seven Russian oligarchs with what it considers are tight connections to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s murderous regime, including Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.
The sanctions mean the Chelsea owner has had his assets frozen and faces a ban on all transactions with U.K. individuals and businesses. Furthermore, it means Abramovich’s attempts to sell The Blues are on hold for the time being.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte coached the London rivals, and during his news conference, the Italian tactician was asked about the latest details surrounding his former employer.
“It is not easy, is not easy. Honestly, it’s a pity, also because I was coach in this club, in Chelsea, I enjoyed two seasons. Also, I won two titles; I worked in this club. It’s a pity to listen to this situation; it’s not simple for the players, it’s not simple for Thomas Tuchel, for the fans, for the whole environment, Chelsea environment,” Conte said, per Football.London.
“Honestly, I hope that in general, that this situation between Russia and Ukraine is going to finish and to find a peace because it’s too important. And then other situations that are coming from this conflict. I think that it’s not right. I hope for the best for this club. Because I worked in this club, I enjoyed the two seasons. For sure, I love the team, the club that I worked in the past. Every team that worked in the past I love. I hope for the best for them.”
ESPN reports that while a sale cannot go ahead as things stand, the U.K. government would contemplate an application for a license to allow a Chelsea to be sold.
Furthermore, Any such license would not permit Abramovich to profit from the sale of the club while he remains subject to sanctions. These sanctions on Chelsea have also resulted in shirt sponsor Three announcing they were suspending their partnership with the club.
Unlucky Chavski fans but this was the right decision.. The government have proof of Romans links with Putin. They have proof of dodgy dealings from 2019.. He’s a true Putin oligarch.. It’s clear where he got his billions from, and clearly not from selling portable toilets and little dolls that he made with his wife..
Know someone on here claimed/were ‘reliably’ told Chelsea were self sufficient but now we’ll all get to see how much Abramovich propped up the club & once the sale is completed & new owners installed, I’m sure they won’t be willing to launder at least £1.5bn of dirty money (amount Abramovich is owed according to last CFC accounts, but now writing off).
Can see it now, in the next few seasons, Chelsea will become an upper mid-table club like Wet Spam.
Good to see the NF/EDL boys saying “I dont agree with what is going on in Ukraine but Roman has nothing to do with that”.
That sums them up totally.
Ironic isnt it that their owner is Jewish but they delight in hissing at Spurs.
As a footnote…on a personal level the handful of Rent Boys I knew from work (ex Headhunters) Putin was their poster boy.