Celebrity Soccer Aid match moved from Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge ‘after complaints following Roman Abramovich sanctions’
THIS year’s celebrity Soccer Aid charity match has been MOVED from Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge.
That’s after star names reportedly complained about using the venue following UK government sanctions against Blues owner Roman Abramovich.
The Mail claims several big players threatened to WALK from this year’s game if Soccer Aid organisers pushed through with plans to host it at Chelsea’s stadium.
The European champions face an uncertain future following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with multiple groups making bids to replace Abramovich on Friday.
But it’s also reckoned Chelsea’s inability to conduct business would have made the match inoperable.
And although a date is yet to be set, it has now been decided that West Ham’s London Stadium will be the setting for Soccer Aid 2022.
A source said: “It was very much going to be played at Chelsea. That was the plan but then the war happened.
“Some key players made their feelings clear that they didn’t want any involvement with Chelsea out of protest.
“There were some very angry people. It was a case of if it happened there, they would not be there.
“Of course there are sanctions now in place that mean Chelsea can’t do any business, so the event couldn’t happen there.
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“It would be impossible for that reason.”
Last year’s match saw Harry Redknapp mange England and Sven Goran Eriksson take charge of a World XI.
But it was heartbreak for Redknapp as Eriksson’s team won 3-0 thanks to Kem Cetinay’s double and a historic strike from Lee Mack.
Former footballers including Gary Neville, Wayne Rooney and Jamie Carragher took to the field at Man City’s Etihad stadium.
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While celebrities such as Usain Bolt, Martin Compston and Olly Murs also thrilled fans with their impressive skills.
An incredible £13million was raised for children’s charity Unicef UK, with a total of £38m collected since its inception in 2006.