March 14, (THEWILL) – Chelsea’s long-term fate remains in doubt after owner Roman Abramovich, was sanctioned by the UK government as part of its response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The decision to penalise Abramovich was made on Thursday morning, and all of his assets in the UK, including Chelsea, were frozen as a result.
The government, on the other hand, provided a special licence – known as The Russia Regulations – allowing the club to continue functioning under strict conditions until the end of the season.
As it stands, that licence would prevent Abramovich from selling Chelsea. However, if a bid for Chelsea is made that does not result in the Russian receiving a penny, the government expressed willingness to change it.
In the letter confirming Abramovich’s suspension, the Chelsea owner was branded as a “pro-Kremlin oligarch” with “decades” of close ties to Russian President, Vladimir Putin.
As a result, Chelsea shirt sponsor, Three Mobile, requested that their £40 million arrangement with the club be paused on Thursday afternoon, and that “the removal of our brand from shirts and around the stadium until further notice.”
The Blues were unable to remove the sponsor from their shirt in time for the game against Norwich City at Carrow Road, which Chelsea won 3-1.
Hyundai, Chelsea’s shirt-sleeve sponsor, also announced their suspension of their agreement with the Blues on Saturday.
The car company issued a statement that read: “In the current circumstances, we have taken the decision to suspend our marketing and communication activities with the club until further notice.”
Chelsea, however, donned shirts with both sponsors’ emblems in their English Premier League match against Newcastle United on Sunday at Stamford Bridge. The club reportedly has no stock of shirts without the logos and is currently unable to order more following Abramovich’s suspension.
Also, the club’s spending on travel to away games has been capped under “The Russia Regulations”, which have had an impact on other aspects of Chelsea including the suspension of merchandise and ticket sales for upcoming games.
German manager, Thomas Tuchel, joked about his team’s travel plans to the French side for Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League knockout stage second leg tie after his side’s 1-0 victory over Newcastle United on Sunday.
“My last information is we are getting a plane. So we can go by plane and come back by plane. If not, we’ll go by train. If not, we’ll go by bus. If not, I’ll drive a seven-seater. Honestly, I will do it. You can mark my words, I will do it to arrive there.”
THEWILL reported how Chelsea saw off a tense struggle in west London, to defeat the Magpies at Stamford Bridge. Kai Havertz’s 89th-minute goal was enough to give the World and European Champions victory.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
