In the annals of sports business history, few transactions have been as dramatic or consequential as the 2022 sale of Chelsea Football Club. Nick Purewal's "Sanctioned" arrives as the definitive account of this watershed moment, offering unprecedented access and insights into a deal that reshaped the landscape of English football.
Drawing from his intimate perspective as the Press Association's Chelsea correspondent, Purewal skilfully intertwines the intricate details of this £4.25 billion saga. The book's timing feels particularly poignant, coming three years after the Todd Boehly-led consortium completed the historic takeover, marking the end of Roman Abramovich's 19-year ownership of the club.
What sets "Sanctioned" apart is its remarkable access to key figures, including Abramovich himself. Purewal, who broke several world exclusives during the sale process, brings readers behind the scenes of a transaction that played out against the backdrop of geopolitical crisis. The narrative skilfully balances boardroom drama with the human impact of sanctions that are affecting everyone from top executives to match-day staff.
The book's most compelling sections detail the frantic 95-day period during which the sale had to be completed. Purewal reveals the hidden complexities of a deal that required navigating not just business logistics but also international politics, government intervention, and the spectre of potential club bankruptcy. The reported poisoning episode adds an element of Cold War intrigue to an already extraordinary tale.
Perhaps most fascinating is the book's exploration of the sale's lasting impact. The proceeds, £2.5 billion of which remain frozen in a UK bank account, were meant to benefit Ukrainian war victims, adding a humanitarian dimension to this sporting saga.
Purewal's journalistic background shines through, with his meticulous attention to detail and ability to contextualise events within the broader scope of modern football history. His writing style strikes an excellent balance between investigative reporting and narrative storytelling, making complex financial and political machinations accessible to general readers while maintaining enough depth to satisfy serious football business enthusiasts.
"Sanctioned" is more than just a sports business book; it's a compelling examination of how global politics, big money, and the beautiful game intersect in the modern era. For anyone interested in football, business, or geopolitics, this book offers an essential and gripping account of a unique moment in sporting history.
The timing of this book's release, which comes after enough time has passed for reflection while still keeping the events relevant, enables Purewal to offer both immediate impact and a thoughtful perspective. It stands as a valuable historical document of a transaction that changed English football forever, told by someone who witnessed it all firsthand.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Publisher: Visit BITEBACK PUBLISHING
Published: June 10, 2025Price: £19.99 Hardcover: 352 pagesISBN-10: 1785909894ISBN-13: 978-1785909894Dimensions: 234 x 156 (mm)
