Kieran Maguire: Chelsea ‘face terrible backlash’ amid Roman Abramovich claim
Chelsea will face backlash from fans, owners and politicians if the Premier League grant them spending exemption due to the restrictions placed on former owner Roman Abramovich.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the broader public opinion on Todd Boehly’s request for exemption.
The Daily Mail reported earlier this month (3 February) that Chelsea will request an exemption from the Premier League spending rules as they could not receive income while Abramovich was sanctioned.
The Blues claim that they spent three months under government sanctions, which stopped the club from making any profit.
Chelsea recorded losses of £153.4m last season but were given allowances by the Premier League alongside many other clubs due to the impact of Covid-19.
The club has spent £600million already under new boss Boehly, including a remarkable £323million spending spree in January.
Maguire believes spending exemptions at Stamford Bridge would cause outrage throughout the Premier League.
“Chelsea’s new owners are desperate to apply for some form of additional exemption or spending relief from the Premier League,”
“They feel the club was unfairly impacted during the time when Roman Abramovich was hit with government restrictions.
“But it would be very difficult to justify to the outside world why Chelsea should benefit from having an oligarch owner.
“They would be handed an advantage over other clubs if the Premier League granted this wish.
“It would face terrible backlash from other fans, owners and politicians of all colours.“
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