Abramovich makes waves

By Eduard Nisenboim

The purchase last week of English football club Chelsea FC by Roman Abramovich, the 19th richest man in Europe according to Forbes magazine, has stunned observers in his native Russia.

No rumours
Usually every major move or investment within the Russian football world, be it the transfer of a player or the sacking of the coach, is pre-empted by wild and widespread rumours. However in this case there was absolutely no hint that Abramovich, one of the richest men in Russia and the governor of the Chukotka region, was planning to buy a football club - let alone one in England.

Russian disappointment
As the news broke the initial reaction in Russia was one of admiration mixed with disappointment. "I can't say I am happy about it," said Russian Football Union (RFU) president Dr Viacheslav Koloskov. "I would like to see Russian money invested into Russian sport and Russian football pleasing Russian fans."

'Strongest league'
"It is a common practice that top businessmen are buying not only factories, banks and companies, but also football clubs. I view it as something inevitable," Koloskov continued. "It is his wish to become a part of what is, in my view, the strongest league on the planet. However, I hope that Roman Abramovich, who is a statesman after all, will use his position with Chelsea for the interests of Russian football."

Sound decision
FC Zenit St. Peterburg and Russian Premier-Liga chairman Vitali Mutko argued that Abramovich's purchase of Chelsea was a sound decision. "With a correct approach, football is a great business, so you should expect good dividends from such a purchase," he said. "In this respect, the decision of a Russian entrepreneur to buy shares in an English club looks full of sense. We can only lament the fact that Russian football is not as attractive for investors."

'Genius way'
FC Torpedo-Metallurg Moskva chief executive Yuri Belous agreed. "It is a genius way to do business, in terms of becoming a part of a top international business," he said before wishing Abromovich good luck in his new venture.

Russian backing
While Russian backing for Abramovich is tempered by disappointment that a sizeable portion of his considerable funds will be invested away from Russia, the reaction of the English establishment, and existing Chelsea hierarchy, to his expected "hands-on" approach remains to be seen.

Ranieri rumours
Already rumours have linked Fabio Capello with the post of head coach at Chelsea - leaving the future of current incumbent Claudio Ranieri under a cloud. "I don't permit interference on the technical side," Ranieri was quoted as saying in today's English media. "If something like that was to happen, my departure is a sure thing."

Interesting future
How this attitude will square with Abramovich's avowed intention to "participate in the game and the selection process" remains to be seen. The Stamford Bridge club could be in for an interesting ride under its new owner.