UEFA considering new rules on sponsorship
Abramovich is the major shareholder of Russian oil giants Sibneft who earlier this year agreed a £30m three-year shirt sponsorship deal with CSKA.
Officials from UEFA are to investigate to ensure Abramovich does not have “a controlling interest” in the Russian club but leaders of European football acknowledge the case raises questions about the whole issue of influence at different clubs.
UEFA chief executive Lars-Christer Olsson said yesterday: “For the time being it’s about ownership but everyone knows sponsors could have an effect on the management of a club.
“It could be that we introduce new rules about that, but we have to have rules that it is possible to police.”
Current regulations state no person can own more than 51% of shares in two clubs and UEFA will ask the Russian football federations for a detailed breakdown about the ownership of CSKA Moscow.
UEFA president Lennart Johansson said: “It’s a normal procedure to have an investigation but it is very important to find the truth and we will have quite a few people working on this.”
“If you have one owner of two or three clubs in the Champions League you can imagine what could happen and that has to be avoided.”
Chelsea issued a statement denying Abramovich has any controlling interest in CSKA.
The statement read: “Chelsea is certain that UEFA and any other clubs in the Champions League should be completely unconcerned by this matter.
“The situation is very clear. Mr Abramovich is the owner of Chelsea Football Club while Sibneft, a company in which he is one of many shareholders is the shirt sponsor of CSKA Moscow.
“Mr Abramovich has no equity stake or any direct financial interest in CSKA.”
Abramovich is a close friend of CSKA president Yevgeny Giner.
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