Roman Abramovich Chelsea sanctions reignite vital Super League debate after major statement

For transparency: I am an affiliate member of the Chelsea Supporters Trust and a Chelsea Pitch Owner Shareholder.

Whilst standing on the Fulham Road alongside Chelsea fans on that historic Spring evening last April, there was an air of optimism amongst some that this would spark a radical change in English football.

The European Super League shook everyone in the football pyramid to their core. It challenged the fabric of the game we had taken for granted and made supporters of the clubs involved question look inwards.

The collapse of that plot, for which I witnessed whilst being doused in beer flying through the air, led to nearly all the six breakaway Premier League clubs being forced to retreat and set up avenues for better fan communication.

Although all of these can be sneered at cynically as merely lip-service and good PR, it left a telling mark over what that chaotic 48-hour period did to the relationship between its hierarchy and supporters.

Although the two events are not linked, it feels ironic that these conversations over the future of Chelsea's ownership are being had again, this time very forcefully given the current situation the club finds itself in.

The UK Government's decision to sanction Roman Abramovich in its continuing response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine means that the club's financial future looks perilous.

With those sanctions and Chelsea as an asset frozen, the club cannot sell tickets, merchandise or act in the transfer market. With sponsors pulling out, the fear of further repercussions and the 1,400+ employees of Chelsea, the desperation for a swift solution is clear.

The Chelsea Supporters Trust (CST) have been vocal about the need for fan involvement in the process since Abramovich