The BookKeeper: Exploring BlueCo's finances and its massive bet on Chelsea

Chelsea and big numbers. A tale as old as, well, at least 23 years.When Russia invaded Ukraine four years ago, Roman Abramovich’s proximity to Vladimir Putin and the Russian war effort resulted in Chelsea’s then owner being sanctioned, his assets frozen and the club marooned. Without the backing of the man whose funds had fuelled them since 2003, Chelsea could not sell tickets or merchandise, or take part in football’s bustling transfer market. Cash flow became a heightened concern.Advertisement