Roman Abramovich: Should Chelsea fans still love him?

Heroes & Humans of Football

Roman Abramovich's story unfolds with the complexity of a man who came from Russia to reshape Premier League football. Starting life in a nondescript communist town, orphaned and adopted within an anti-Semitic Soviet Union, Abramovich's acute sensitivity to others' desires propelled him from selling rubber ducks to amassing a fortune amid the chaos of post-Soviet privatisation.

His acquisition of Chelsea FC in 2003 marked a pivotal moment, introducing unprecedented investment into the sport, but also igniting debates around sports washing and the ethical dimensions of football ownership.

Abramovich started at Chelsea painfully aware of his big handicap: he knew no more about football than the average fan. So he displayed another secret of his success: he is a good listener. Despite being the master of all he surveyed at an historically mediocre club, initially he barely opened his mouth.

Under Abramovich, Chelsea claimed 19 trophies in 19 years, but underlying his tenure was a mysterious relationship with Putin and sanctions following geopolitical tensions.

After his fall from grace and forced sale of Chelsea amidst accusations and personal risks, including poisoning, Abramovich's legacy in football remains divisive. Admirers cite his contributions to the club and community. For Mehreen, as a Chelsea fan, there is a part of her that still adores him even in 2024, when it’s not PC to say that, while acknowledging the darker aspects of his oligarchy and influence.

His story is a testament to the intricate dance of power, identity, and the indelible mark one man can leave on a beloved sport.

Timestamps:

00:00 Abramovich: From unknown to controversial football tycoon.

10:03 Canadian deputy PM Chryssia Freeland's book discusses Russian oligarchs, including Abramovich and Berezovsky. It mentions their deals and legal battles, with a spoiler about Berezovsky's fate.

10:40 A select few men gain immense wealth and political power in Yeltsin's Russia, controlling the country's economy and influencing political decisions through ownership of natural resources, media, and political influence.

20:39 Abramovich celebrates buying Chelsea with Evian water.

23:06 Various theories on Abramovich's purchase of Chelsea FC, including Putin's involvement and connections among oligarchs and media magnates in Moscow.

29:56 Learning how to own a football club. Exploring Europe, attending 3 games per day.

36:13 Abramovich values loyalty and shows it lavishly.

40:51 Putin suggests recruiting Abramovich for World Cup bid.

46:13 UK report links oligarch to Kremlin and Putin.

47:53 Abramovich's political and business manoeuvres regarding Chelsea, including potential sanctions and the sale of the club in light of the war.

52:59 Abramovich supports Jewish causes, including the Elad group, but faces criticism for promoting settler tourism.

01:00:01 Possible involvement in geopolitical hotspots, rehabilitation potential

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