Tear-Jerking Scenes: Over 10,000 Chelsea Fans Chant Abramovich’s Name Three Times in Six Days as £5.3bn Remains Frozen for Three Years

In the early hours of January 11, Chelsea traveled to Charlton for the FA Cup third round. Under new head coach Rosénier, the Blues delivered an emphatic statement—cruising to a 5–1 victory to secure their place in the next stage. Yet even before kick-off, the atmosphere was already charged, as more than 10,000 Chelsea supporters were heard chanting the name of former owner Roman Abramovich in a show of solidarity.

Chelsea’s recent form has been underwhelming, and frustration among supporters toward the current ownership and leadership group has grown louder. That discontent has, in turn, intensified nostalgia for the Abramovich era. Ahead of the match, multiple sections of the away end repeatedly sang Abramovich’s name, turning the pre-game build-up into a clear message from the fanbase.

The chants carried two key intentions. First, they reflected strong dissatisfaction with the current owners, led by Todd Boehly. Second, they signaled support for Abramovich, who sold Chelsea in 2022 under pressure from the UK government. Notably, the £2.5 billion proceeds from the sale have remained frozen by the authorities since the transaction.

Abramovich’s financial restrictions extend beyond the club sale. British media reported last month that the UK government has frozen a total of £5.3 billion in his UK-based assets—an extraordinary figure. With no clear indication of an imminent unfreezing, Abramovich has reportedly taken the matter to court to challenge the continued restrictions.

The dispute also includes the destination of the £2.5 billion from Chelsea’s sale. The UK government has pushed for the full amount to be donated to Ukraine, a condition Abramovich has rejected. He has maintained that any charitable distribution should support people affected on both sides—arguing that it is not only Ukrainians who have suffered consequences from the conflict.

This was not an isolated incident of public backing from Chelsea supporters. Prior to away matches on January 5 and January 8, fans also joined in chanting Abramovich’s name. Surveys cited in recent reports suggest that more than 90% of Chelsea fans believe the current leadership has made significant decision-making errors, underscoring the scale of unrest around the club’s direction.

Abramovich first bought Chelsea in July 2003 for £140 million. Over 19 years, he invested more than £2.1 billion and oversaw one of the most successful eras in the club’s history—delivering 21 major trophies, including five Premier League titles and two UEFA Champions League crowns. More than three years after his departure, many Chelsea fans continue to regard him as the most impactful owner the club has ever had.