Sanctions hit Chelsea: How will it change the competitive dynamics of the big six?
Alamy
Last week the UK government announced sanctions against Roman Abramovich and Chelsea FC, effectively putting a halt to everything apart from the execution of matches and covering costs.
As of 30 June 2021, the club had €18.5 million in cash reserves - not even enough to cover a month’s wages. How does the financial situation stack up against the other ‘big six’ clubs?
Why it matters: Despite Chelsea’s massive success under Abramovich, the club are far from self-sustaining, having accumulated loans of €1.7 billion from the Russian billionaire.
The perspective: If Chelsea and Abramovich don’t find a solution soon, this may completely alter the club’s financial foundation for years to come and open up the possibility of points deduction.
15 March 2022 - 12:50 PM
Sanctions have been imposed on Chelsea-owner Roman Abramovich after weeks of speculation around ties with Russia. This effectively leaves Chelsea, the reigning UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup champions, in a deep liquidity crisis.
Throughout his 19-year tenure, Abramovich has been unable to establish a self-sustaining football club, with accumulated loans of €1.7 billion having piled up during that period.
Now, unable to sell matchday tickets, me
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