Gary Neville, a former Manchester United defender, has urged the UK Members of Parliament (MP) to reconsider pursuing Chelsea’s wealthy owner, Roman Abramovich, out from the country.
Abramovich announced on March 2 that he will sell Chelsea as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent sanctions put on Russian businesses and the economy.
Chelsea was purchased by Abramovich in 2003. Chelsea has won 21 major titles since he took over the club.
Gary Neville was asked his thoughts on the latest development at Chelsea and Abramovich’s alleged ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin while speaking at the Financial Times Business of Football Summit.
He said: “There are alleged links between Abramovich and [Vladimir] Putin. I think what he [Putin] has done this week has meant the association with Chelsea and Abramovich has become a problem.
“Am I in a situation where I feel Roman Abramovich should be kicked out of Chelsea, should be kicked out of English football, no I’m actually not there.
“In respect of Abramovich and Chelsea, he has been an owner of Chelsea now for 20 years and from my point of view I’ve spoken openly about how I’ve welcomed the challenge to the historical elite, which was Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal.”