Over the next week, football.london will be taking a look back at the key events at Stamford Bridge over an unforgettable 2022.
The impact of Roman Abramovich's first statement bled into the beginning of March which within days became a monumental month in Chelsea's entire history.
On the evening of the 2nd, shortly before Chelsea took on Luton Town in the FA Cup fifth round at Kenilworth Road, Abramovich confirmed in intention to sell the club in a statement to send shockwaves across football. “I would like to address the speculation in media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC," Abramovich began.
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"As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the club’s best interest at heart. In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the club, the fans, the employees, as well as the club’s sponsors and partners.
"The sale of the club will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process. I will not be asking for any loans to be repaid. This has never been about business nor money for me, but about pure passion for the game and club."
This in itself, was a huge moment but it was only one of two huge stories in March for Chelsea. Just over a week later, the UK Government would announce sanctions against Abramovich following Russia's invasion of Ukraine the previous month.
The sanctions saw "his assets frozen, a prohibition on transactions with UK individuals and businesses, a travel ban and transport sanctions". It also changed the sale process for Chelsea, ensuring no money would go to Abramovich with the UK Government taking over, issuing a special license to the club to still operate until the end of May.
Another effect of the sanctions would see different forms of travel to away games for the squad and staff, only season ticket holders could attend games. It also impacted any transfer negotiations or plans at the club, meaning that contract talks with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen would be paused, a problem given their deals expiring in June.
The night of the day sanctions were announced saw Chelsea beat Norwich 3-1 away from home, three days later the Blues were at home to Newcastle a game engulfed in media interest and pre-set narrative over how this game symbolised how football was ruined. Chelsea supporters had to read articles in major publications telling them the only good thing about the club was Thomas Tuchel.
Tuchel did step up, as did Emma Hayes during this period, acting as a statesman for Chelsea in a period of grave uncertainty over the future. Facing awkward questions on a frequent basis whilst having to deal with a demanding fixture schedule.
Both Chelsea's men's and women's team responded well in March, winning games consistently. Hayes' players continued to keep pace with Arsenal in the WSL, attempting to achieve a third consecutive title. For Tuchel, his popularity amongst fans would significantly grow during March, most memorably celebrating with fans after a Champions League win away to Lille after full-time. A representation of the bond created between the German and the fans.
Although off-the-pitch turmoil created stress and invited serious scrutiny, on the pitch Chelsea's players offered some inspired performances.
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