On Thursday morning, Chelsea released a statement announcing that the club had been recognised as the football club with the Best Reputation 2021 from the World Sport Organisation. Club director Marina Granovskaia was pictured with the award at Stamford Bridge, posted on social media and instantly sparking scorn from onlookers.
Some of this is due to the recent sanctions imposed on Roman Abramovich and the change in ownership. However, the award in the context of 2021 – a year where Chelsea won a Champions League and Super Cup – makes a lot more sense. Granovskaia also attracts criticism for some of the club's recent transfer business.
The departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are clear points of critique, and last summer's exodus of Cobham talent has come under further scrutiny.