THE last days of the first Roman Empire saw a fading giant decline and fall.
But the final days of Chelsea’s Roman Empire, the current world and European champions, represent an imposing edifice crumbling in a near-instant.
Chelsea have been plunged into chaos after Roman Abramovich’s assets were frozen
On the club’s 117th birthday, no less, the Roman candles were well and truly blown out.
Less than four weeks ago, Abramovich was parading on the pitch in Abu Dhabi with the World Club Cup, the icing on the cake.
The last trophy of 19 — well, 21 if you include two Community Shields — in his incredible haul. Two decades of footballing glory, now indelibly tarnished by association.
Five Premier Leagues, five FA Cups, three League Cups, two Champions Leagues, two Europa Leagues and one Super Cup also in the bag.
But whatever happens next, it is absolutely clear that things at Stamford Bridge will never be the same.
With the man who made it possible branded an ally of a likely future ‘war criminal’ and accused of helping to fund and equip an illegal invasion.
Inside the portals of SW6, shock and awe. Mixed, doubtless, with anger and disbelief.
The megastore shuttered, with those inside ushered out and Chelsea shirts ripped from their hands on the way.
Chelsea’s online sales stopped in an instant, too, merchandise and tickets no longer available.
Sponsors already preparing their own moves away, the logos were on parade at Norwich last night — but not for long.
And while the players and staff will be paid, at least until the end of the season, the implications for the summer and beyond appear inescapable.
No more sugar daddy, ready to spend whatever it takes.
Even if a new owner does come in by the end of May, any cash he spends to buy the club will go straight to the Treasury.
While the financial punishments set to be imposed will impact its value and ability to compete under any version of Financial Fair Play.
A seeming certain departure, for nothing, of three Blues defensive mainstays, with the club unable to offer new terms to the soon to be out-of-contract Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Uncertainty over whether the club will ever be able to fish in the talent pool that has become the norm since 2003. Mega-signings of huge names require salaries to fit. Salaries that may no longer be sustainable.
But also a recognition that the investment Abramovich has made in the club’s Cobham academy will now be the determinant of whether Chelsea succeed or fail on the pitch.
Armando Broja will be back at Stamford Bridge next season after his Southampton loan
The next Declan Rice will be kept on board, as will the future Tammy Abraham. As for Armando Broja: Welcome home. You’ve done great at Southampton. Now we REALLY need you.
The Government insisted it was not targeting the Chelsea fans, merely the club’s owner.
Indeed, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman told a Downing Street lobby briefing: “The principle has been to try and mitigate the impact on fans and the wider football pyramid.
“These measures are obviously designed to punish those close to Vladimir Putin and ensure any sort of revenue generated can’t make its way through to the Russian war machine.”
That message was reinforced when Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston met worried Chelsea supporters in a “constructive dialogue” to “ensure they are not severely impacted”.
His promise was that the club and fans would be protected from “irreparable damage” yet the furious reaction of many Blues supporters suggested that argument was not registering.
They may neither forgive, nor forget.
Chelsea, too, had to find a way to deal with the snowballing events, the remaining members of the hierarchy — who had just 15 minutes’ notice of the sanctions decision — meeting in an emergency session as they attempted to process the implications.
The club’s official response, published at lunchtime, was simultaneously aimed at reassuring fans of the immediate future and putting the onus on the Government to recognise its responsibilities.
The Russian’s reign at Stamford Bridge has ended in controversy
Chelsea said: “We will fulfil our men’s and women’s fixtures against Norwich and West Ham, respectively, and intend to engage in discussions with the UK Government regarding the scope of the licence.
“This will include seeking permission for the licence to be amended in order to allow the club to operate as normal as possible.
“We will also be seeking guidance from the UK Government on the impact of these measures on the Chelsea Foundation and its important work in our communities.”
In other words, a warning. If this club goes under, it will be on your head, PM. But outside of Chelsea, few will quibble.
Those scenes of destruction in Mariupol and Kharkiv have stung the consciences of the nation, alerted many to the true evil of Putin’s war machine and seen a willingness to record verdicts of guilt for all his perceived fellow travellers.
Abramovich must try to dispose of the asset he has spent 19 years building up or risk it simply evaporating.
Yet, told that he cannot bank a penny of the final price — and it is, even more than it would have been a week ago, a distressed sale — the Russian cannot win. Only lose, heavily.
Chelsea, on top of the planet only 27 days ago.
Now staring at the end of all those ambitions and dreams, facing a reality that will feel like a footballing nightmare.
