Aware of Putin’s missive, Abramovich may pay up for Russia, not Chelsea

LONDON - With Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin making it clear that he expects his country’s oligarchs to contribute handsomely to the 30 billion pound expenses expected for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, there is a possibility of Roman Abramovich giving up his stake in Chelsea FC.

According to The Sun, Abramovich is still celebrating Russia winning their bid to host the 2018 World Cup, and this impact badly on English football, besides having serious ramifications for Chelsea.

The question that arises is that for how much longer will he fund Chelsea, a financial exercise that has set him back over 700 million pounds?

Abramovich’s commitment to Chelsea seems to be flagging, especially in the wake of the team’s current poor run.

The club is in the middle of their worst run since September 2007.

FIFA could now see their decision to back Russia also help their long-held ambition of breaking the power of the leading Premier League clubs.

Their jealousy at the success of England’s top flight and the way Chelsea and now Manchester City are buying trophies through financial clout has already seen them put in place regulations.

Clubs must break even by 2013-2014 or risk a ban from the Champions League.

FIFA’s end game is for the Champions League and all football to be played on a level playing field.

And as FIFA reina in the top clubs, they themselves grow stronger thanks to awarding the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to countries with the financial clout of Russia and Qatar. (ANI)