Chelsea win Football Reputation Award despite sanctions against Roman Abramovich

Yes, you read that correctly

Chelsea have won an award for the football club with the 'best reputation', despite former owner Roman Abramovich being sanctioned for his alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin. The award, which was given out as part of the Football Reputation Awards 2021 - hosted by the World Sport Organisation - is designed to "recognise clubs and players who have led the way, setting an example by promoting a better world, and raised awareness of the potential for sport to influence positive change in society". They are voted for in secret by players, coaches, referees, executives and journalists around Europe. https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1529740207783923713

Kante wins player award

Blues midfielder N’Golo was handed the equivalent player award - receiving 62 per cent of the vote, while Chelsea took the club award with 37 per cent of the vote.

Kante's Chelsea teammates Marcos Alonso, Cesar Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Mason Mount and Thiago Silva were also named in the top 50.

The 2021 award was voted for before the war in Ukraine began. The Blues' success was likely influenced by the men’s side winning the Champions League in May, and the fact that the women’s side clinched another WSL title. The award comes after Abramovich's 19-year reign as the club's owner is set to come to an end after Todd Boehly's £4.25bn Chelsea takeover cleared its final hurdle following the Portuguese government's authorisation of the sale by the Russian.

Chelsea sale set to be confirmed

Boehly is expected to be officially confirmed by the club imminently. His consortium includes fellow Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Mark Walters, British businessman Jonathan Goldstein, Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss and US investment firm Clearlake Capital. On Wednesday morning, sports and culture minister Nadine Dorries said the UK government had issued a license that permits the sale of the London club. Related links:

• Chelsea takeover completed after government issues license to permit sale
• No, Trivago did not accidentally confirm Todd Boehly’s Chelsea takeover
• Liverpool and Chelsea fans go viral after bizarre FA Cup final confrontation