‘I know’: BBC journalist shares how Chelsea staff were feeling even before Abramovich’s sanctions were issued

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John Murray revealed that Chelsea employees were fearful for the jobs before Roman Abramovich’s sanctions officially came into place.

Speaking to the BBC, Murray explained he had spoken to certain club workers a week prior to the government freezing Abramovich’s assets, with the feeling even then one of distress.

Chelsea staff in the thick of the problems

Wednesday’s ground-shaking announcement shocked many in the sport, but clearly not those with closer ties to the situation.

It seemed like something was brewing ever since Abramovich attempted to hand over the Blues to a board of trustees.

When he announced the sale of Chelsea last Wednesday, the wheels started turning toward a slippery slope.

It was on that same day Thomas Tuchel’s men travelled to Luton Town for an FA Cup fixture.

Their 3-2 victory was pretty much lost in the mayhem that surrounded Abramovich’s major announcement.

Murray attended the game at Kenilworth Road and discovered a sense of doom sprinkled throughout the Chelsea camp.

“I know, having covered the Chelsea match at Luton last week, speaking to a couple of the non-playing members of the staff, there is genuine worry for those people about what will happen to their jobs and livelihoods,” he said.

The search for Abramovich’s succesor goes on

Those jobs and livelihoods are sadly very much up in the air right now.

All of the personnel affected by the recent developments will be paid up until the end of the season, thanks to a special government licence.

However, this warrant expires on the 31^st of May and won’t be renewed unless a new owner is found before then.

Luckily, there appears to still be a long list of potential suitors ready to throw their cash at the project.

Nick Candy, a property developer and Chelsea fan, reportedly remains a keen admirer of Abramovich’s throne.

There are apparently up to another 19 candidates also interested, meaning light could still be at the end of the tunnel.

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