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Chelsea buy Champions League as failure to qualify looms

By Ajitesh Rasgotra

MUNICH, GERMANY - MAY 19: Frank Lampard and Jose Bosingwa (C) of Chelsea hold the trophy in celebration after their victory in the UEFA Champions League Final between FC Bayern Muenchen and Chelsea at the Fussball Arena München on May 19, 2012 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY - MAY 19: Frank Lampard and Jose Bosingwa (C) of Chelsea hold the trophy in celebration after their victory in the UEFA Champions League Final between FC Bayern Muenchen and Chelsea at the Fussball Arena München on May 19, 2012 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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With Chelsea looking unlikely to qualify for the Champions League, Roman Abramovich has reportedly channeled the Blues of old and bought the competition itself.

You know what they say: when you can’t beat them, buy them. Or something like that. With Chelsea staring down the prospect of missing out on Champions League football for the second time in three years, Roman Abramovich has taken drastic action. According to unconfirmed reports, the Blues owner has simply bought the competition to ensure Chelsea fans will be able to wave their flags on a Wednesday evening next season.

The West Londoners currently lie in fifth place, five points off the top four. A loss against Tottenham on Sunday would stretch that gap to eight. After winning the Premier League last season, the Blues have landed with a thud and look set for the ultimate European disappointment.

However, Abramovich is not having any of it. The Russian reportedly called a secretive meeting last week to discuss potential options. Along with Marina Granovskaia, Bruce Buck and Stamford The Lion, the decision was taken to purchase Europe’s premier competition.

A Pride Of London source close to the meeting has stated that John Terry is already waiting in full kit to sign the deal on behalf of the Chelsea brass.

Given the financial impact of missing out on Champions League football, Abramovich’s primary motive is clear. However, there also appears to be a secondary intention spurring the owner on.

Chelsea were the original big-spenders in English football. Abramovich’s arrival at Stamford Bridge was swiftly followed by a hefty outlay on talent. The Blues spent their way to success as the scouting of the talent and the coaching of the team were definitely not important factors.

Now, Chelsea are not matching the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United. The Manchester duo seemingly have bottomless pockets and are money-printing machines. The club’s fall from the summit of the prestigious Buy Your Success League table has been eating away at Abramovich.

This move, to buy the Champions League and all the Heineken that goes with it, is supposed to be a show of power. Chelsea are the ultimate plastic club with no history and the board will not allow City to steal their crown.

Meanwhile, what Abramovich does with the competition remains to be seen. Some reports claim that plastic flags will be mandatory at every game. Others state that Chelsea will be only team allowed to compete.

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Having said that, in this era of fake news, this could all be a massive lie anyway. Are there any clues to suggest that may be the case?

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