Gary Neville, a former Manchester United defender, has urged a UK Member of Parliament (MP) to reconsider pursuing Chelsea’s wealthy owner, Roman Abramovich, out of the country.
Abramovich announced on March 2 that he will sell Chelsea as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent sanctions put on Russian businesses and the economy.
Chelsea was purchased by Abramovich in 2003. Chelsea has won 21 major titles since he took over the club.
Neville was asked about his thoughts on the situation at Chelsea and Abramovich’s alleged ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Financial Times Business of Football Summit.
“There are supposed linkages between Abramovich and [Vladimir] Putin,” Neville stated. I believe that what he [Putin] has done this week has exacerbated the relationship between Chelsea and Abramovich.
“Am I in a position where I believe Roman Abramovich should be booted out of Chelsea, should be booted out of English football, no.”
“In terms of Abramovich and Chelsea, he has owned the club for the past 20 years, and I’ve spoken publicly about how I’ve welcomed the challenge to the historical elite of Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal.”