Reactions as Chelsea’s Future Hang On Balance Following Sanctions on Roman Abramovich

The owner of Chelsea football club, Roman Abramovich have been heavily sanctioned by the UK’s government following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The west declared an economic war on Russia and since Abramovich is a Billionaire from the country as well as a good friend of Putin, he has his asset frozen and is not allowed to make gains from the club.

Hours after the Russian was sanctioned, Chelsea won 3-1 at Norwich. Manager, Thomas Tuchel said after the match,

“As long as we have enough shirts and a bus to drive to the games, we’ll be there and will compete hard.”

“We take it day by day. I didn’t see that coming yesterday and I don’t know what is coming tomorrow.”

The manager also added that the development was a distraction however, the team will continue to compete on pitch.

The German added: “Of course the subject is there, the talks are going on, so there is a certain distraction. The level of impact it has – the news of today is big – in time we don’t know how big.

“We cannot influence it.”

Chelsea women played at the same time with the Men and their Manger, Emma Hayes, despite being happy with the 4-1 at West Ham in the Women’s Super League said:

“I can’t get too wrapped up in it when there’s a war going on in Ukraine.

“We are Chelsea and we will prevail. There will be solutions, we just need to be patient.”

“I don’t battle with things I cannot control. I will probably learn more in the coming days and weeks.

“We’re aware of what’s going on, but there’s a war going on in Ukraine, there are bigger situations.

“It’s important for the players, the staff, the fans to be patient and let’s sort through that and hopefully that process won’t take too long.”

Commenting on the sanctions, Tuchel added:

“I’m not sure I am concerned, but I am aware of it.”

“It changes almost every day. I am still happy to be here and still happy to be manager of a strong team. I know there is a lot of noise around.”

Meanwhile, the official Sponsors of Chelsea FC, three, a prominent telecommunication service provider, have “temporarily suspended” its deal with the club which was supposed to elapse in 2023 over recent development.