Chelsea have been leading the way among Premier League clubs and owners for their community response to the pandemic. It’s not their place to brag, but it is ours.
There are people who own football clubs simply because they have the money to do so. Maybe it’s like a badge of honour for one’s wealth, a status symbol that shows the world that you are a “player.” On the flip side, some people own a football club because they want to make a difference. They have a passion for the game, a desire to become an instrumental part of the club’s history and, ultimately, be one of the family.
We’ve seen recent examples of both types of owner through the current COVID-19 crisis.
Clubs from the Premier League have jumped onto the United Kingdom government’s job retention scheme, whereby a selection of their non-playing staff’s salaries are remunerated at 80%. Some have jumped on the bandwagon and then jumped off with their tails between their legs.
Chelsea haven’t taken that route. They’ve rightly chosen to pay their non-playing staff their full salaries.
The Monty Python film The Life of Brian posed the question: “What have the Romans ever done for us?” The answer was ironically nothing, apart from “the sanitation, the medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, a fresh water system, and public health.”
Chelsea’s Roman – Roman Abromovich – despite restrictions of access imposed by the UK government, carried on doing his bit by sanctioning expenditure within the local SW6 community and beyond.
In particular, the club are supporting the NHS during the current pandemic through free use of The Millenium Hotel, one of two on the Stamford Bridge site. The club have given it over to medical staff requiring a place to stay whilst working long hours at nearby hospitals. The adjacent Copthorne Hotel adjacent is being readied for use as well.
Not only are there beds available to these key workers but the club have also offered the use of the kitchens and hospitality suites to serve meals to those same medical staff. To complete the package, car parking space on the site is also being made available.
With people in lock-down, the club are also matching donations to the UK charity Refuge that supports women and children who have suffered domestic abuse. The club have agreed to do this for a six-week period. Chelsea’s Women’s manager Emma Hayes said on the club website:
"I am proud to lead the club’s support of this worthy cause during such a difficult time for so many. There are many things for people to deal with in the present climate but it is important we support the vulnerable and those who may feel alone or without a voice. I hope this campaign can do that and make a difference to those who need support."
Despite unfounded rumours that Roman Abramovich would happily sell Chelsea FC, his work in the community refutes that.
For someone who has been rejected by a government, Abramovich clearly holds no grudges to those he feels so close to and a part of. That has to be to his credit and, once this is over, there has to be a process that allows him the opportunity to return to the club he obviously still loves.
Of course, that’s for the future.
The Premier League, clubs and players have been in the spotlight at a time when they’re not actually centre stage. They want to know and the public wants to know how they can help out during this crisis. The players have come in for some harsh criticism but are now doing the right thing.
As far as owners go, well, Roman Abramovich is certainly making a good effort. He can quite comfortably answer the question: What has Roman ever done for us?