Everything Soccer

[IHateMarkMay]

From what I've read, all of his assets are frozen. Since Chelsea is an asset, it can't be sold. I have no clue outside of that and just know I am not upset at it.

 

[IHateMarkMay]

Just saw this on reddit:

Chelsea has been given a special license to operate while Roman is sanctioned. I've summarized the terms.
They can:

• Pay the wages, allowances and pensions of all employees of the Club, including players, coaching, corporate and administrative staff
• Pay fees, dividends or other allowances to directors of the Club except Roman
• Continue the payment necessary for the ongoing regular maintenance of the Club and the Club’s grounds, including rates, council tax, other taxes, insurance building safety inspection costs, energy costs and other maintenance costs associated with the maintenance of the Club’s ground and training grounds
• Pay reasonable costs of travel to and from fixtures for players and essential staff including costs for security staff, travel agencies or contractors. These costs include travel, accommodation and subsistence costs, but may not exceed £20,000 per game
• Make payments for the hosting of fixtures, including security, stewarding, emergency services and catering, not exceeding the value of £500,000 per fixture
• Sell food and drink at Stamford Bridge during fixtures
• Continue to make inter-club payments for existing player loan and sale agreements
• Receive payments from match broadcasts
• Receive fees from EFA, PL, and UEFA for league performance
• Be sold to a new owner with a special dispensation, provided Roman does not benefit financially from it

They cannot:

• Sell new merchandise. 3rd party sellers that already have merchandise can continue to sell them, but Chelsea will not receive funds.
• Produce new merchandise unless there is an existing agreement pre-sanction
• Sell new tickets to home or away matches. Existing ticket holders can continue to attend, including season ticket holders and those who have already purchased a ticket pre-sanction.
• Pay for new stadium capital works or refurbishments
• Buy, sell, loan, transfer, or otherwise enter any agreement for players (current players cannot be recontracted, and new players cannot be bought)
• Sign or recontract sponsorships

The key part in the license: "Any funds which the Club receives must be frozen due to the asset freeze on (Roman)".
The current license to operate is effective immediately until May, after which it expires. It can be reviewed and renewed again.
tl;dr existing contracts will be honoured, incoming funds will be frozen. They cannot enter any NEW financial agreements. The license will be reviewed again in May. Roman can still sell Chelsea under special dispensation but he cannot profit from it - effectively a 3B loss. If Roman doesn't sell and Chelsea runs out of money, they will go into administration.
Gov.uk source

 

[Rogue219]

I must be missing a piece,… why block the sale of the team???

The Chelsea Holding Co. owes Roman $1.5 billion. That is now frozen and he can't write it off at this time even if he wanted to. Doubtful anyone would buy the club with that hanging over it anyway.

So club could potentially go into Administration.

 

[Rogue219]

From what I've read, all of his assets are frozen. Since Chelsea is an asset, it can't be sold. I have no clue outside of that and just know I am not upset at it.

Right. Roman gets proceeds of a sale.

The only reason they're taking a stance is because Putin invaded Ukraine, who is considered part of the Western World. The UK and Premier League don't give a frog's fat ass about Yemen or Syria.

Roman's connection to Putin now hurts the brand and they can't have that right now.

All this being said, the next owners of Chelsea are likely going to be American.

 

[notredomer23]

After looking into it a bit surprised Chelsea is getting this treatment while Everton isn't despite very similar connections.

 

[IHateMarkMay]

I think Everton's current team is punishment enough.

 

[Rogue219]

After looking into it a bit surprised Chelsea is getting this treatment while Everton isn't despite very similar connections.

They severed ties with Usmanov last week. They could still be in a world of shit even if they manage to avoid relegation.

 

[Rogue219]

English Premier League officiating is starting to lean toward Italian match fixing levels of incompetence. Match Day after Match Day is just one or more head scratching decision after another.

 

[INLaw]

Anybody up watching this rangers game?

 

[Prof K]

I must be missing a piece,… why block the sale of the team???

Agreed. Abramovich wants to sell. The Premier League wants him gone. Why not let the sale move forward and just ensure Abramovich doesn't gain from the sale until the government has settled on its punishments.

 

[NDRock]

Glad to see Leeds pull it out and get Marsch a win.

 

[Rogue219]

Russian and Roman Empire flags spotted among Chelsea supporters, Saudi Arabian flag spotted among Newcastle supporters yesterday (one day after they executed 81 people).

Not spotted was the obvious foul in the box Chelsea committed on Newcastle which would have given a penalty.

 

[Rogue219]

I am going to be a wreck every three days for the next three months it appears.

Palace is a major pain in the ass. Especially away. Tricky mid table team. I don't know how they managed to get a result yesterday but it looked like they could have played for days against anyone and not conceded. This City club is a very good side.

Best post game presser moment from yesterday:

Reporter to Bernardo Silva: “Are you wondering how you didn’t win tonight?”

(*wasn’t asked anything related to Liverpool*)

Silva: “I’d rather be us than LFC. They have to come to our stadium. They play Arsenal while we rest for Southampton, we will be there for the title.”

 

[IHateMarkMay]

I saw a stat yesterday stating the only two teams to hold City scoreless in a season since Pep took over were United last year and Palace this year. Insane for a mid level team.

 

[CTIDANDREW]

I am going to be a wreck every three days for the next three months it appears.

Palace is a major pain in the ass. Especially away. Tricky mid table team. I don't know how they managed to get a result yesterday but it looked like they could have played for days against anyone and not conceded. This City club is a very good side.

Best post game presser moment from yesterday:

I mean City had 4-5 really solid chances, and hit the post twice. I think their expected goals was around 3, for anyone that cares about that. It just was one of those days, where nothing was going in. It wasn't like Palace played some amazing shutdown defense. Just my two cents.

No idea how Pep didn't make any subs, he is prone to do that sometimes. It's almost like he doesn't want to admit he got the setup wrong or something...who knows. I would have enjoyed Sterling running at tired legs for the last 25 mins, or Jesus battling for last minute headers instead of Foden but we move on.

Liverpool deserve all the credit in the world, they have kept the pressure on City during the last six weeks and city have certainly flinched.
I am shocked that DraftKings as of this morning still had City to win the Prem at -280
538 has City at 67% which would imply odds at closer to -200. I think is a fair assessment of where things stand.
Liverpool fans would have taken that in a heartbeat compared to where things stood around mid February.
The champions league draw is going to be important. Huge advantage to one side should City or Liverpool have a tough away match days before the game on the 10th. (Unless it gets rescheduled)...and please for the love of god do not have City vs Liverpool draw each other in the Quarters. My heart could not take 3 City vs Liverpool games in an eight day period.
Buckle up, its going to be fun.

 

[Rogue219]

I mean City had 4-5 really solid chances, and hit the post twice. I think their expected goals was around 3, for anyone that cares about that. It just was one of those days, where nothing was going in. It wasn't like Palace played some amazing shutdown defense. Just my two cents.

No idea how Pep didn't make any subs, he is prone to do that sometimes. It's almost like he doesn't want to admit he got the setup wrong or something...who knows. I would have enjoyed Sterling running at tired legs for the last 25 mins, or Jesus battling for last minute headers instead of Foden but we move on.

Liverpool deserve all the credit in the world, they have kept the pressure on City during the last six weeks and city have certainly flinched.
I am shocked that DraftKings as of this morning still had City to win the Prem at -280
538 has City at 67% which would imply odds at closer to -200. I think is a fair assessment of where things stand.
Liverpool fans would have taken that in a heartbeat compared to where things stood around mid February.
The champions league draw is going to be important. Huge advantage to one side should City or Liverpool have a tough away match days before the game on the 10th. (Unless it gets rescheduled)...and please for the love of god do not have City vs Liverpool draw each other in the Quarters. My heart could not take 3 City vs Liverpool games in an eight day period.
Buckle up, its going to be fun.

Hence, they could have played on and it would have stayed 0-0. Palace have had some fair results against City going back to 2017. A 4-0 bend over last year and a 5-0 in 2017 included, but nevertheless they've gotten some results from them. Four points out of six this year and zero conceded. Was surprised to see it.

Facing a confident Arsenal squad tomorrow will not be easy. They are on nice run, but haven't really defeated anyone of consequence. Still, they're chasing fourth and have a great opportunity. It's nervy.

Liverpool have some squad depth now. That Diaz signing was key. They're mostly healthyish too for the first time in a very long time. I do agree with Silva's assessment that they have the upper hand for the League, but to be competing on all three fronts remaining with the Carabao Cup already in hand hasn't happened at Liverpool in forever. Squad depth, something blue London and blue Manchester have had for a long time. Seeing how those other halves live has been pleasant.

Three of the four best teams in Europe are from England. Two are likely to draw one another next round. I'd bet money on it. My guess is Liverpool draws Chelsea. I think any of the three beat Bayern, though.

 

[Rogue219]

I saw a stat yesterday stating the only two teams to hold City scoreless in a season since Pep took over were United last year and Palace this year. Insane for a mid level team.

TWO mid level teams.

 

[IHateMarkMay]

TWO mid level teams.

I see what you did there, and as much as I want to defend my team, I hate that I can't because you are currently right. Hopefully the next manager can right the ship and apparently it is way off course. A whole new idealogy and vision is needed. United on reddit seems to think the board wants Poch, but there are a hand full of people, Rangnick included, that want Ten Haag. Either way, I'm going to tell myself it'll get better so I don't drink myself into a depression.

Seems like Pool and Salah are a little too far apart in negotiations. Think they'll let him go?

 

[Rogue219]

I see what you did there, and as much as I want to defend my team, I hate that I can't because you are currently right. Hopefully the next manager can right the ship and apparently it is way off course. A whole new idealogy and vision is needed. United on reddit seems to think the board wants Poch, but there are a hand full of people, Rangnick included, that want Ten Haag. Either way, I'm going to tell myself it'll get better so I don't drink myself into a depression.

Seems like Pool and Salah are a little too far apart in negotiations. Think they'll let him go?

Way too many guys on high wages and of low quality. They absolutely got suckered on Harry Maguire and have pinned their hopes to Ronaldo. They really need a teardown from the upstairs all the way down to the boot room.

Salah: Who knows. They're offering to make him the highest paid player in club history but there are 14 players currently making more than him in England. Every single one of them plays for City, United and Chelsea. I think that Partey guy on Arsenal makes as much as Salah does now, which is mind boggling.

I don't think Salah is a money guy. I think he wants to stay because he knows what his status will be at Liverpool if he finishes his career there. He has also seen what has happened to anyone who has left the club since Klopp took over. Coutinho and Wijnaldum in particular. I think two teams can afford him and I don't see Liverpool selling to City. Salah has already been to two Champions League finals and I don't know what PSG can offer him other than money and winning domestic cups. He wants to stay but at what he feels he is worth. I think his agent is a bit of a douche ala Raheem Sterling's boy (Sterling never played for Klopp and left the season before Rodgers got sacked and Klopp came in).

We've seen this before with Torres, Suarez, etc. Life goes on.

 

[Rogue219]

LOL

The kid can play.

 

[Rogue219]

Liverpool closing in on deal for Celtic teenager Ben Doak

Liverpool are closing in on signing exciting teenage winger Ben Doak from Celtic's academy. Doak, who only turned 16 in November, has yet to sign a professional contract with Celtic, and so his boyhood club would only be due minor compensation if the move concludes. Celtic, who have already...

theathletic.com

16 years of age and already played in an Old Firm?

Celtic supporters, what say you? This is how Klopp acquired Harvey Elliott and Kaide Gordon as well. This boy must be good.

 

[Rogue219]

It's on.

 

[DCDomer]

50/50 split at Hampden park against Sevco on Easter Sunday? That is going to be some atmosphere.

 

[NDRock]

It's on.

Yep. April 10th will be fun.

 

[Rogue219]

 

[IHateMarkMay]

Champions League draw:

Chelsea vs. Real Madrid

Manchester City vs. Atletico Madrid

Villarreal vs. Bayern Munich

Liverpool vs. Benfica

@Rogue219 , I think Liverpool has to like their chances of getting to the final. I know Bayern is always tough, but City is City, Chelsea play like world beaters in cups lately, and Madrid are on a hot streak with Benzema. None of the teams on Liverpools side of the bracket are particularly poor, but I'd take playing any of them over Chelsea, Madrid, and City at the moment.

 

[Rogue219]

Champions League draw:

Chelsea vs. Real Madrid

Manchester City vs. Atletico Madrid

Villarreal vs. Bayern Munich

Liverpool vs. Benfica

@Rogue219 , I think Liverpool has to like their chances of getting to the final. I know Bayern is always tough, but City is City, Chelsea play like world beaters in cups lately, and Madrid are on a hot streak with Benzema. None of the teams on Liverpools side of the bracket are particularly poor, but I'd take playing any of them over Chelsea, Madrid, and City at the moment.

I'd rather see Liverpool avoid anyone with the word Madrid in their title, even after having handled Simeone in the Group Stage.

At least Ramos is out and won't be trying to cripple people.

 

[Cackalacky2.0]

TAA is out with a hamstring injury for a while. TBD.

 

[CTIDANDREW]

Champions League draw:

Chelsea vs. Real Madrid

Manchester City vs. Atletico Madrid

Villarreal vs. Bayern Munich

Liverpool vs. Benfica

@Rogue219 , I think Liverpool has to like their chances of getting to the final. I know Bayern is always tough, but City is City, Chelsea play like world beaters in cups lately, and Madrid are on a hot streak with Benzema. None of the teams on Liverpools side of the bracket are particularly poor, but I'd take playing any of them over Chelsea, Madrid, and City at the moment.

I think this draw is "fair".
Of the remaining teams, most would say City, Liverpool, and Bayern are the top three in that order.
Bayern and Liverpool get winning draws to face off in the semis, and City faces likely the sixth best team remaining from the draw, and then would face either the 4th or 5th best team remaining. (Sorry brain is only thinking of things as seeds, because of March Madness)

Liverpool going to Benfica days before the trip to the Etihad, while City are at home vs Atletico is likely advantage City...but I'm more interested to see if Ruben Dias will be back for the match and if Trent will be out for Liverpool.

 

[Rogue219]

TAA is out with a hamstring injury for a while. TBD.

Right before he was called up for England.

Hmmmm.