Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich ‘furious’ after European Super League defeat
As one of the most powerful people in
English football, Roman Abramovich has a history of making his voice heard when
it matters. Despite lacking a desire for a major media profile, the Russian has
been clear in recent times that, when he thinks it matters, he will speak out.
This was clearest when speaking about the racism issues facing English
football, as he spoke with clarity and fairness on the issue.
However, the decision of Chelsea to jump
into the ill-fated European Super League has, according to reports, left the
owner absolutely furious. Within 48 hours, and a large protest to stop the team
bus from reaching the stadium, the club had reneged on their desire to join the
ESL. Now, it is believed that Abramovich is raging at the reputational damage
that the move has caused.
It might even has consequences for others
at the club. There is much talk that Bruce Buck, club chairman, could be forced
to step down from his role at the Premier League. As the leagues head of their
audit and remuneration committee, he might be made to leave. He will also
likely face the wrath of the owner, who is believed to have put his faith in
Buck to come up with a solution that would have been positive for all parties.
His judgement has bene called into serious question now after the PR disaster
of the ESL meltdown.
As such, we could see some of the most
prominent people at Chelsea heading out the door as Abramovich looks to make
clear his fury at the impact. Having worked hard to cultivate a good reputation
with Chelsea fans over the years, this marks a major blow to that goodwill that
Abramovich will not appreciate.
What happens next?
Well, for one, it is believed that Premier
League votes will be put in place to bring an end to any future Super League
exit. New rules will be put into place to stop any kind of teams breaking away
like this in the future. This could lead to a fair amount of change at the top
of the league, too, as the ‘big six’ clubs find themselves fighting to save
their reputation and their position as the ‘senior heads’ of the English top
flight.
Chelsea, who have held major influence ever
since the early 2000s, might find their voice no longer quite as loud and as
respected. And given all that Abramovich has done to build a consensus with
others, this might dent the chance for Chelsea and other teams to have a big
say on the league again in the future.
With the other clubs furious at the nature
of the ESL release, there could be lasting changes coming into English
football. Given all that Abramovich has done over the years for the club, this
latest PR blunder from those who he puts in charge might lead to a significant
change in tact.