UK government sanctions to Roman Abramovich have an impact on Chelsea, which is owned by the Russian conglomerate. The Blues players themselves only found out about it when they were on the bus to Norwich ahead of the game.
Abramovich, who is reportedly close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, is one of the figures recently sanctioned by the British government. All of his assets, including Chelsea, were frozen.
Sanctions for Abramovich also led to a number of direct effects on Chelsea. Among other things, can not be involved in the transfer of players and can not even give new contracts for players.
With the contracts of the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta set to expire in the summer, the current situation means Chelsea will almost certainly be unable to contain the departure of all three.
“There’s definitely some uncertainty in their minds because they haven’t signed a new contract and are in the final three months of their current contract,” said Simon Jordan of talkSPORT.
If the situation does not change, Chelsea faces further problems considering that a number of players will expire in 2023, including N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, Ross Barkley, Thiago Silva, Marcos Alonso and Kenedy.
The sanction against Abramovich which affected Chelsea itself, said The Athletic, apparently only became known to the players of Thomas Tuchel’s squad on the way on the bus for the away match to Norwich headquarters.
It was further stated that the Chelsea players only learned of the news through their respective mobile phones with “concerned friends and relatives” also sending them messages.
Previously, the players did not get any information leaked from the club or the government. This is said to be enough to make players surprised.
Chelsea themselves finally managed to come home from Norwich headquarters with full points thanks to a 3-1 victory. Goals from Trevoh Chalobah, Mason Mount and Kai Havertz cemented the Blues in third place in the Premier League standings.
(krs / aff)
