Chelsea fans chanted the name of former owner Roman Abramovich as their side fell to a heavy FA Cup defeat away at Manchester City.
Abramovich was forced into selling the West London club earlier this year after being sanctioned by the UK government in March for allegedly having ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin. Chelsea were desperate to secure a new owner amid a budget crisis, with their funds temporarily dictated by the British government.
A group led by US businessman Boehly completed their takeover of the club following the conclusion of the 2021/22 campaign. It brought an end to Abramovich’s 19-year control of the club, a period in which they won five Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions League crowns.
There have been few signs this season of the Blues adding to their silverware in recent years, with this FA Cup exit adding to their elimination from the EFL Cup earlier in the campaign – they lost the finals of each competition last season to Liverpool on penalty shootouts.
Chelsea’s league form has also plummeted this campaign with Graham Potter’s side languishing in 10th position in the Premier League and a whopping 19 points away from league leaders Arsenal. They are also 10 points adrift of a top four spot, with Champions League football next season appearing to be a diminishing prospect.
The Blues suffered another bad day on Sunday as they fell to a four-goal defeat at Man City in the FA Cup Third Round. That marked their seventh defeat in ten matches across all competitions, a run which also included an underwhelming draw at struggling Nottingham Forest in the league.
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Chelsea fans made their displeasure with the situation known as they chanted the name of former owner Roman Abramovich during the encounter, alongside the name of their previous boss Thomas Tuchel. It was a message to current owner Boehly and coach Potter that the fans were far from happy.
Abramovich wrote on Chelsea’s website in March, confirming his intention of selling Chelsea: "As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart. In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the Club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the Club, the fans, the employees, as well as the Club’s sponsors and partners.
"The sale of the Club will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process. I will not be asking for any loans to be repaid. This has never been about business nor money for me, but about pure passion for the game and Club.
"Moreover, I have instructed my team to set up a charitable foundation where all net proceeds from the sale will be donated. The foundation will be for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine.
"This includes providing critical funds towards the urgent and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting the long-term work of recovery.
"Please know that this has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, and it pains me to part with the Club in this manner. However, I do believe this is in the best interest of the Club.
"I hope that I will be able to visit Stamford Bridge one last time to say goodbye to all of you in person. It has been a privilege of a lifetime to be part of Chelsea FC and I am proud of all our joint achievements. Chelsea Football Club and its supporters will always be in my heart. Thank you, Roman."
