The challenge for Chelsea's ownership group is clear following the release of the 2023 Deloitte Football Money League. The club sits eighth in the table for the second successive year – but notably behind Premier League rivals Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool.
Chelsea generated £481million in revenue for the 2021/22 season in which fans returned to stadiums as COVID-19 restrictions were eased. Yet it was no ordinary campaign for the club, which in March 2022 was forced to operate under strict regulations after sanctions were imposed on former owner Roman Abramovich.
That resulted in the closure of the club's megastore at Stamford Bridge and other retail outlets. Their shirt sponsorship with Three was suspended for three months. And Chelsea were unable to sell any new tickets, which resulted in several home games being played at 77% capacity.
