Gary Lineker has pointed out the huge uncertainty surrounding Chelsea after Roman Abramovich's decision to sell the club.
The Russian billionaire released a statement less than an hour before the Blues took on Luton Town in the FA Cup to confirm he had decided to sell.
His decision comes amid growing calls for sanctions, including by Keir Starmer, after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Abramovich reassured that the sale will "not be fast-tracked" - but Lineker, presenting coverage of the Chelsea game on BBC, raised some important questions about what the immediate future now holds for the West London club.
'Well it's not that easy to sell a football club quickly," Lineker said.
"And the ramifications of possible sanctions on Abramovich and what that means for Chelsea, we aren't sure either."
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His fellow pundit, Alan Shearer, branded the news a "huge moment" and also pointed out that Abramovich has not condemned what is happening in Ukraine.
He will, however, donate proceeds from the sale to a charity foundation set up "for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine."
Shearer said: "Huge moment for Chelsea Football Club.
"He's brought massive success over his 20 years. But it isn't as simple as selling the club as we know, it can take months or years.
"More importantly, there's still no condemnation from Roman or the club about what's happening in Ukraine."
Micah Richards added: "It's a better statement than the one on Saturday. I was scratching my head at [the Saturday statement] when it came out.
"Today there's a lot more clarity and I think he's done the right thing.
"It's just so sad that we're having to talk about this on a football night, and all the scenes we've seen over the last couple of days, it's just heartbreaking.
"The sooner it can happen, the better."
