Chelsea could have a special visitor at the match in Krasnodar

As Chelsea ventures across Europe for the Champions League’s furthest match, the Blues may find a special visitor in the stands against Krasnodar.

Chelsea travels to Russia’s south western region for its next Champions League match. As the Blues prepare to play Krasnodar, they hopped on a flight and traveled further than any other club likely will during the UCL this season. After a draw against Sevilla in the first match of the group stage, Frank Lampard’s side is in desperate need of a win in Russia to begin to separate itself from the rest of the pack in Group E. Luckily for the Blues, they may receive some welcomed support from Krasnodar Stadium on Wednesday evening.

There have been no rumors or rumblings ahead of the bout—there seldom are with this guest in attendance—but with Chelsea playing a match in Russia, it’s safe to assume club owner Roman Abramovich may be present.

While this would not have been news just a few seasons ago, Abramovich has seldom been at Chelsea matches in recent years. He has had problems with his UK visa due to the growing tensions between the UK and Russia; as a result, he’s not been back in England since the visa expired way back in 2018. The Blues’ owner hasn’t been to Stamford Bridge in over two years, but that doesn’t mean his love for the team has dwindled at all.

Regardless, reports have raged on over the past few seasons about the Russian’s intent to sell the west London club. 2021 is now quickly approaching and the 54-year-old has seemingly never been more involved financially. Abramovich has pumped billions into the club over the years in order for it to succeed on the biggest stages, including a massive summer spending spree that came to an end just a few weeks ago. Lampard knows that, despite the owner’s physical absence, he supports the team from wherever he is in the world.

Abramovich withdrew his UK visa application in 2018 due to complications with the government, instead choosing to become an Israeli citizen. The country of his newborn citizenship played host to the Chelsea Women back in August of 2019, where the club owner spent time with Emma Hayes and her squad. Further, Abramovich attended the 2018 Europa League Final in Baku where he watched his Blues trounce rivals Arsenal, 4-1.

Away from the pitch, Abramovich has been crucial in helping spread awareness for social issues, most prominently the prevalence of antisemitism in football. The Blues owner also found himself in the news during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as he refused to lay off any staff members, did not dock employees’ pay and opened up the team hotel for NHS workers to use.

Overall, Abramovich is one of the best owners in English football and he doesn’t usually pass up an opportunity to watch his beloved Blues in person. A past regular in the stands of Stamford Bridge, the owner must be itching to see Lampard’s side play in person, especially after such an expensive summer window. Work in the fact Krasnodar is only 705 miles—and a short flight on a private jet—from Abramovich’s hometown of Saratov and the opportunity seems too good to pass up.

Seeing the club owner in the stands may just make the 2,000+ mile trip worth it for some of the Chelsea players and coaches. Speaking as a fan, it’s always nice to see Abramovich’s smile as he, like the rest of us at home, cheers the Blues on.