Football is the most important of the least important things in life, meaning that it holds great power and influence in society and politics.
Because of this, Russia's ongoing unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has impacted the game like few international incidents ever have. In an attempt to pressure Russian president Vladimir Putin into ending his war, UEFA has expelled Russian clubs from competing in its competitions, while a number of countries have refused to play Russia in World Cup qualification.
Like many countries, the UK government has started to apply pressure to Putin by sanctioning Russian banks, corporations and oligarchs. Had the assets of Russian billionaire and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich been frozen, then the London club could have found themselves in serious financial trouble.
Before that possibility could become a reality, Abramovich announced his decision to sell the club. 19 years after buying Chelsea, the businessman is reportedly in talks with two potential buyers, Hansjoerg Wyss and Todd Boehly.
But what does this all mean for Manchester City?
For starters, City fans should brace themselves for the shower of scorn and jealousy that is likely to come their way over the coming months.
When Abramovich completes the sale, City and Newcastle will be the only 'new money' clubs left in the Premier League, with Chelsea having started the trend in 2003.
Given that Newcastle look a good few years off competing for trophies and titles, that means that City will become the sole target of criticism from supporters of the 'traditional elite' clubs when their own sides are struggling.
Manchester United and Arsenal fans in particular love doing this. To them, their recent struggles are down to City and Chelsea having an unfair advantage, rather than the incompetent owners of their own clubs.
Abramovich's departure could see the Premier League title race become a two-horse race again for a few years, thus further intensifying the relatively young rivalry between City and Liverpool.
Chelsea recorded post-tax losses of £145.6m for the year ending June 2021 and currently owe Abramovich's company Fordstam £1.514bn - although Abramovich has said he will write this off - so it is unclear how much they will be able to spend on new signings even if a new owner does come in.
After a close opening few months of the season, Chelsea have fallen away from City and Liverpool. They might not return for a while.
City might equally see the departure of Abramovich as an opportunity to strengthen their squad at their rival's expense. Abramovich has many flaws as an owner and person but one redeeming quality is that he always put his money where his mouth is.
There is no guarantee that the new owner will have a similar attitude to spending, meaning City could face one less competitor when fighting for the signatures of top players.
In recent months it has been reported that Erling Haaland has been considering Chelsea as a possible destination as well as City. Will he be as keen to move to a club in a state of transition and would they be able to afford him? Either way, the situation plays into City's hands.
Whatever the outcome of an uncertain time for Chelsea, there's no doubting that instability at a club that has over the years been a thorn in City's side is a good thing for Pep Guardiola's men.
How do you think Abramovich's decision to sell Chelsea will affect City? Follow our City Is Ours writer Alex Brotherton on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts in the comments section below.
