Chelsea ‘partially lay off’ staff on day government impose sanctions on Roman Abramovich as club face financial crisis
CHELSEA have already ‘partially laid off’ staff after owner Roman Abramovich had his assets frozen by the UK government this morning.
The Blues have been plunged into crisis following the ruling on their owner amid links with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Chelsea stand to lose millions in ticket and merchandise sales, as well as from sponsors.
And according to former player Pat Nevin, the West Londoners have already started taking desperate action.
As quoted by the BBC’s , Nevin, who has a column in Chelsea’s matchday programme, told BBC 5 Live that ‘staff have been partially laid off already’.
The players are expected to be fine, but worries have been raised for the club’s numerous other staff members.
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Chelsea could be deducted nine points if they go into administration before the end of the season.
They are currently set to lose out on £600,000-per-home game in unsold tickets.
And they can no longer flog club gear at the Stamford Bridge megastore or online.
The government have imposed a £20,000 cap on money that can be spent on away travel.
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Club sponsors Three have suspended their £120million agreement.
A statement read: “In light of the Government’s recently-announced sanctions, we have requested Chelsea Football Club temporarily suspend our sponsorship of the club including the removal our brand from the and around the stadium until further notice.
“We recognise that this decision will impact the many fans who follow their team passionately.
“However, we feel that given the circumstance, and the Government sanction that is in place, it is the right thing to do.
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“As a mobile network, the best way we can support the people of Ukraine is to ensure refugees arriving in the UK from the conflict and customers currently in Ukraine can stay connected to the people who matter to them.
“Therefore, we are offering connectivity packages to all Ukrainians arriving in the UK, and those in the Ukraine.”
Abramovich – who has been deemed to have been a Kremlin crony of Putin’s – has been banned from selling the club and from injecting more money into the SW6 outfit.
But the Government will consider an application for a licence to sell the club – although Abramovich won’t pocket a penny for it.
American billionaire Todd Boehly is eager to snap up the club and is waiting to hear back on an offer he and Swiss business partner Hansjorg Wyss have made.
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