Sanctioned: The Inside Story of the Sale of Chelsea FC

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 front-row seat as Chelsea correspondent for the Press Association, Purewal masterfully weaves together the complex threads 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 skillfully balances boardroom drama with the human impact of sanctions that [forced Chelsea to operate under severe restrictions](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/mar/10/roman-abramovich-sanctioned-what-does-it-mean-for-chelsea), 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 specter 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 in 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, coming after sufficient time has passed for reflection but while the events remain relevant, allows Purewal to provide both immediate impact and 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.
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Publisher: Visit BITEBACK PUBLISHING
Published: May 27, 2025
Price: £20.00 
Hardcover: 352 pages
ISBN-10: 1785909894
ISBN-13: 978-1785909894
Dimensions: 234 x 156 (mm)