Thomas Tuchel has vowed Chelsea will not be destroyed by the sanctions on Blues owner Roman Abramovich that plunged the European champions into turmoil before their 3-1 win at Norwich on Thursday.
Abramovich was one of seven more oligarchs slapped with new British restrictions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions have raised fears for Chelsea’s survival, but Blues boss Tuchel insisted after the Premier League victory against Norwich that his team would not be throwing in the towel.
Trust factor
“So far we can trust each other and this will not change. As long as we have enough shirts and a bus to drive to the games we will be there and will compete hard,” he said. “Everybody can be very sure that we focus on us, to keep the attitude and the mentality right on the training ground and within the team.” Following the sanctions imposed on the Russian billionaire, Chelsea’s kit maker Nike are reportedly considering ending the reported £900-million, 15-year deal they signed with the west London club in 2016.
Thomas Tuchel
All for peace
Tuchel said Chelsea’s players could wear a symbol of peace in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Chelsea host Newcastle at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and Tuchel said it was possible they could fill the vacant sponsor’s space on their shirts with a peace slogan. “We can always wear a message for peace and it can never be the wrong message,” said the German.
Effects of UK govt’s sanctions on Chelsea
Play will go on
While team owner Roman Abramovic’s assets have been frozen by the British government, Chelsea have been given a special license
to continue operating.
No sale for now
As per the current license, Abramovich cannot sell Chelsea, but the British govt will consider an application for a new license to allow the sale of the club as long as he doesn’t benefit from it.
Salaries and wages
Chelsea can pay its staff and players their salaries and bear the cost of hosting matches at Stamford Bridge. But travel costs for away games have been capped at £20,000 (Rs 20 lakh approx) per match.
No new signings
Chelsea can continue paying for transfer agreements made before March 10, 2022, but can’t recruit new players.
No tickets
No match tickets or Chelsea merchandise can be sold by the club. Only season ticket holders can attend matches.
TV prize money frozen
The lucrative TV rights money can be paid to Chelsea, but that cash will be frozen.
Jersey sponsorship
Telecom company Three, Chelsea’s jersey sponsors, have suspended their existing three-year deal with the club.
