EC

🚨Roman Abramovich’s custodian: the sale was illegal. The proceeds will not be handed over. “In light of the City case, and of what has come out in recent weeks, Mr Abramovich is prepared to meet the FA and the government. The subject is the decision that forced the sale of Chelsea. Any arrangement on the forfeiture of the sale proceeds can only be discussed after that meeting, and only on the outcome of it. We have always considered the agreement that forced the sale to be illegal. It was accepted because the future of the club was judged more important than compensation. That position is now open to challenge. The most serious sporting offence currently in front of English football — the charges against Manchester City — has not been met with the same speed, or the same conclusion. We will seek a fresh repeal. The government should forget any assumption that the proceeds are theirs to take. This is not said lightly, and it is not said in hope of a favour. It is said because both sides now have a chance at the same standard. Fair representation. The same rules. Or neither.”