Pat Nevin made a concerning claim about the future of Chelsea upon hearing the financial implications of Roman Abramovich’s sanction.
Speaking on BBC, the former Blues winger admitted that the club’s crumbling cash structure might now topple the organisation without Abramovich at the wheel.
What does Abramovich’s sanction mean for Chelsea?
The Russian’s attempts to sell Stamford Bridge and all its treasures were halted yesterday, as the UK government announced they had frozen all his assets.
This was part of a wider response to those Russian oligarchs with an affiliation to Vladimir Putin, the president giving permission for his country to invade Ukraine.
Abramovich cannot trade Chelsea to another owner, nor can the 55-year-old make new signings to bolster Thomas Tuchel’s team.
Below the board room, the majority of supporters have been chucked into the mud.
Only season-ticket holders will be able to attend home games this term, with match tickets sold before the 10th March still usable.
However, fans won’t be able to purchase new tickets after that sombre date.
Staff as well have every right to feel anxious about the situation unfolding above and around them.
A special licence issued by the government means Chelsea can cover the wages of all employees, although this authorisation is only in place until the 31st of May.
Nevin is not here to numb the situation
What happens after the campaign concludes rather worryingly remains anyone’s guess.
“We are in unchartered water, but the football side, what will happen to the club now?” questioned Nevin.
“No-one knows. I can tell you something, it’s very serious.
“I heard someone say recently the wage bill is £28m a week (means a month). Where will you get that if you can’t trade?
“If this carries on for a period of time, it’s strange looking to see how the club is viable in its current form.
“It’s not hyperbole to say the future of the club is in serious danger.
“I can’t say ‘everything will be OK’. I think the club will survive. Will it look the same after all this is over? No, I don’t think that will be the case.”
Money problems
Attempting to fund Chelsea’s enormous payroll appears to be the largest problem looming over the business at this moment.
The players make up a big chunk of this, with Romelu Lukaku and Kai Havertz alone earning £3.9m and £3.7m (Sun) a year respectively.
But this also takes into account the general running of the institution, travel costs and other factors.
Abramovich is unable to inject his own wealth anymore, as he had for the previous 19 years.
Whilst we urge people not to panic, we cannot gloss over what’s happening to our beloved Blues.
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