According to the report, it looks back on the Blues’ year, as Roman Abramovich announces plans to sell the club and is then approved by the UK government.
Thomas Tuchel was able to keep Chelsea’s form after the sanctions were imposed in March.
Over the next week, the reporter look back on the key events at Stamford Bridge during an unforgettable 2022 season.
The impact of Roman Abramovich’s first statement bled into the beginning of March, which became a pivotal month in Chelsea’s history within days.
On the evening of the 2nd, shortly before Chelsea’s FA Cup fifth-round match against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road, Abramovich announced his intention to sell the club in a statement that sent shockwaves throughout football. “I’d like to address the media speculation over the last few days regarding my ownership of Chelsea FC,” Abramovich began.
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“As I previously stated, I have always made decisions with the best interests of the club in mind. In the current situation, I have decided to sell the club because I believe it is in the best interests of the club, the fans, the employees, and the club’s sponsors and partners.
The sale of the club will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process. I will not seek repayment for any loans. For me, it has never been about business or money, but about pure love for the game and club.”
This was a huge moment in and of itself, but it was only one of two major stories for Chelsea in March. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine the previous month, the UK government announced sanctions against Abramovich just over a week later.
“His assets were frozen, transactions with UK individuals and businesses were prohibited, a travel ban was imposed, and transportation sanctions were imposed,” according to the sanctions. It also changed the sale process for Chelsea, ensuring no money would go to Abramovich with the UK Government taking over, issuing a special license to the club to still operate until the end of May.
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The term “responsibility” refers to the act of determining whether or not a person is responsible for his or her own actions. It also had an impact on any transfer negotiations or plans at the club, which meant that contract talks with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen would be halted, which would be a problem given that their contracts expire in June.
Chelsea beat Norwich 3-1 away from home the night sanctions were announced; three days later, the Blues were at home to Newcastle, a game engulfed in media interest and a pre-set narrative about how this game symbolized how football was ruined. Chelsea supporters had to read articles in major publications telling them the only good thing about the club was Thomas Tuchel.
Following the sanctions imposed on Roman Abramovich in March, Thomas Tuchel’s reputation skyrocketed among Chelsea supporters.
Tuchel did step up, as did Emma Hayes during this period, acting as a statesman for Chelsea in a time of great uncertainty about the future. Faced with awkward questions on a regular basis while juggling a demanding fixture schedule.
Chelsea’s men’s and women’s teams both performed admirably in March, winning games on a consistent basis. Hayes’ players kept up with Arsenal in the WSL, attempting to win a third consecutive title. Tuchel’s fan popularity grew significantly during March, most notably when he celebrated with fans after a Champions League win away to Lille after full-time. A symbol of the bond formed between the German and the fans.
Although off-the-field turmoil caused stress and drew intense scrutiny, Chelsea’s players delivered some inspired performances on the field.