The Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle United was namechecked as BBC Match of the Day pundits discussed the need to tighten ownership requirements amid the sanctions placed upon Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. The sides met at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, with a late Kai Havertz goal settling a contest dogged by two controversial VAR decisions.
Abramovich's sale of the Blues has been put on temporary hold amid Government-enforced sanctions in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Russian oligarch has had his British assets frozen, with the club currently unable to bank money from future ticket or merchandise sales and limits placed upon their spending.
Chelsea are also unable to buy or sell players, or offer new contracts while Abramovich remains owner and the sanctions are in place. Numerous interested parties have been credited with an interest in a buyout, and Ian Wright insists this ugly episode proves whoever is successful must leave the club in a 'better place'.
The former Arsenal striker said: "I've got to say with Thomas Tuchel and Emma Hayes, they've shown great leadership in the past few days. But I think it's down to the Premier League and the Government to try and find as quickly as possible a resolution to everything.
"Also, I think it's important we take this moment to look at who owns football clubs and why, because Chelsea is not just a club. It is a 117-year-old institution, so whoever takes over must leave it in a better place.
"Not only financially - yes, they've got trophies - but socially as well."
Danny Murphy insists the ongoing crisis at Chelsea proves the Premier League's owners' and directors' test - which came under heavy scrutiny during the protracted Newcastle takeover saga - needs to be reviewed. However, the former Liverpool midfielder feels the approval for the buyout backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund suggest the 'horse has bolted already'.
He said: "There's an owners' and directors' test that needs looking at. This has to provoke some sort of change, I would have said conversation but no, it has to provoke change and quickly.
"Some may say the horse has bolted already with certain things that have happened recently, talking about the ownership at Newcastle of course. But this situation...if it needs to be legislation and law and if it goes above the Premier League, then so be it.
"We can't find ourselves in this situation again. It's a horrible position for the club to be in, with so many innocent people at the club who could lose their livelihoods.
"The Premier League are looking into it, that's what we've heard. They are going to be addressing it and talking about it, but talk is cheap. We need actions, and this needs to be addressed."
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