The sanctions placed on Chelsea due to Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovich took a new turn as a fresh debate regarding the sources of money that pumps Europe’s richest league.
The Stamford Bridge outfit’s assets were frozen by the government after Abramovich became a target of scrutiny for the British government in the light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with a ban placed on ticket sales and merchandise.
The Champions League defenders are officially on the market for sale, and it will end the 19 gears of immense success under their Russian owner, who has witnessed his club win the Premier League title five times and two Champions League crowns, with best online casino in Australia providing all odds throughout.
The sanctions were imposed in Chelsea’s first home game against Newcastle, whose ownership has also made controversial news of takeover in October by an organization being run by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund.
Amnesty, a Rights group, showed concerns regarding the purchase, claiming this is an attempt to “sportwash” Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
Newcastle United could be said to be following in the footsteps of Manchester City, which is backed by Abu Dhabi, which have become a major force in the Premier League in the last few years thanks to huge investments.
But the UAE’s decision to refrain from all voting concerns to condemn Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine and the recent meeting between Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Syrian president Bashir al-Assad, who is a known ally of Vladimir Putin – Russian president – have led to questions being raised and focus being placed on the Etihad outfit.
Chris Bryant, the Opposition Labour lawmaker, claimed admitted that it would be “good to see the back of” Sheikh Mansour as City owner, as the government have shown criticism over his official meeting with the Syrian president, as it might work against the lasting peace Syria is trying to protect.
Speaking to AFP, sports business experts Simon Chadwick claimed that it remains difficult to witness a meaningful change in the short term, as billionaires across the world are on their feet to be the first to claim the trophy called Chelsea.
Chadwick, who is a global professor at Emylon Business School, said: “European football can wean itself off money from Russia, China and Saudi Arabia but what’s left? If they leave, who replaces them?”
“If we take the example of Chelsea, one of the options for replacing an outgoing Russian is a consortium of an American and Swiss billionaire, so for British football fans the situation is not going to change.”
The British government is considering the creation of a new independent regulator for English football and tests to ensure that all owners and directors are “only good custodians”.
It was revealed earlier this month by Premier League chief executive Richard Masters that the league’s owners’ and directors’ test is currently being reviewed. However, sports minister Nigel Huddleston wants it to be more “robust” and he believes that English football is at a turning point.
Premier League clubs are currently under scrutiny for neglecting to ask questions about the sources of their money as they continue to run the silverware race each season, with best online casinos nz backing them with odds.
Chelsea will continue to be caught up in currents that exceed the bounds of football until it officially changes ownership, but a change in football is yet to be seen.
