From the perspective of most Chelsea fans, Roman Abramovich is a messiah, an oligarch whose capital underpinned the modern history of the club, a man who transformed the Blues from English football mediocrity to the cream of both the island and Europe. Before Roman, there was only one English league title, but with the Russian businessman at the helm, Chelsea claimed five Premier League championships. Without Abramovich, London as a city wouldn’t boast a club that conquered European football. Thanks to Chelsea, it can boast with two Champions League trophies. Nevertheless, the fact that Abramovich’s era (2003 – 2022) was paved with successes that the former, pre-21st-century Chelsea could only dream of, does not mean that the Russian billionaire did everything entirely legally, correctly, and within the bounds of the law. Due to the war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as financial sanctions, he was forced to sell the club. In 2022, Todd Boehly took over and the investment consortium Clearlake Capital, but the new leadership is facing business ‘stains’ and malpractices that are a legacy from Abramovich’s time.🚨 Exclusive: Chelsea’s chequered financial past could be exposed if the courts rule that the information is pertinent to an ongoing legal case involving agent Saif Rubie and former Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia.In 2022, the Metropolitan Police launched an investigation… pic.twitter.com/6pWUNFS1mD— ChelsTransfer (@ChelsTransfer) March 19, 2024 New Chelsea owner blames Marina Granovskaia for club’s defensive woesAs such, according to the Daily Mail, the England’s Crown Prosecution Service, in accordance with the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act, has ordered Chelsea to disclose relevant information related to the ongoing proceedings. The central theme is the former director Marina Granovskaia. In 2022, the police initiated an investigation into the correspondence between Granovskaia and agent Saif Rubie, who demanded money from the former Chelsea director for a transfer related to Chelsea. Initially, the case involved extortion and threats, but it was further established that it was a malicious communication. The development raised the prospect of Chelsea’s new regime being legally obliged to release information on controversial historic deals that they were not involved in, with the first hearing scheduled for April 10th.”Chelsea’s ownership group completed its purchase of the club on 30 May 2022. During a thorough due diligence process prior to completion, the group became aware of potentially incomplete financial reporting concerning historical transactions during the club’s previous ownership. Immediately following the completion of the purchase, Chelsea self-reported these to UEFA. Chelsea has assisted UEFA with its investigation of these matters and, following analysis… the club has entered into a settlement agreement to pay €10m (£8.6m) to UEFA as a fixed payment” Chelsea announced in July 2023.Only the Saudis are bigger spenders than ChelseaThe controversial dealings under UEFA investigation have particularly focused on the transfers of Willian and Samuel Eto’o from Anzhi to Stamford Bridge. The Brazilian arrived on August 28, 2013, for 35.5 million euros, while the Cameroonian came a day later as a free agent. The British Times wrote at the time that purportedly, millions ended up in offshore company accounts. The new Chelsea management distanced itself from all the accusations that had been leveled at the club with a statement: “These allegations pre-date the club’s current ownership. They concern entities allegedly controlled by the club’s former owner and do not relate to any individual who is presently at the club.” It’s been nearly two years since Abramovich ceased to be the boss, yet Chelsea still struggles to break free from the Romanov’s ‘curse’. Despite the Russian, new owner Todd Boehly, having spent over a billion euros in less than two years, seems to be creating his own personal enchanted circle.##NAJAVA_MECA_7972147##
