Former Chelsea chief executive Trevor Birch has told BBC Radio 4 he believes the delay in renewing Roman Abramovich’s visa has left the club facing a period of uncertainty.
The visa issue is widely believed to be the main reason for Chelsea owner Abramovich putting the club’s planned redevelopment of Stamford Bridge on hold.
And Birch, who oversaw the sale of Chelsea to Abramovich, told the Today programme: “I wasn’t really surprised (by the news) because it’s obviously linked to the visa situation.
“There have been some rising costs in the stadium and it’s a difficult project to deliver – but I think this is clearly Roman upping the ante in the spat with the Home Office.”
Birch has also been chief executive at Everton and Leeds and now works for global finance advisors Duff & Phelps.
He was previously a professional footballer, playing for the likes of Chester City and Shrewsbury Town.
He added: “If the visa issue isn’t resolved I think anything could happen. I think there’s obviously a great deal of concern around at the moment.
“The Chelsea fans now face the prospect of no stadium, no manager and no star player if Eden Hazard moves to Real Madrid.
“But I think it’s eminently sellable as a club, based in west London. With TV rights increasing, if Manchester United is valued at over £3billion I think Chelsea is valued at £1.5billion – and very attractive.
“Of course to maintain the value of his investment he needs to invest in players – and he didn’t last season.”
This post was last modified on 01/06/2018
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Not worried at all, the only chickens flapping is the spud thinking they might be Able to step up and be one of the big 6, as a spud you should know trying to buy success is not easy, spuds tried in the 80s and ended up being bailed out by their own daughter daddy since then the only claim to fame is finishing third, oh yeah the supporters own the pitch so the ground cannot be sold without their consent, sorry to pluck your feathers.
Do I hear the flap of chickens coming home to roost? No its the Russian double headed eagle in a flap. Bound to happen sooner or later. Just where did he get his money from eh? Didn't care before but you do now!