Former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has once again found himself in the spotlight, this time due to a revealing story from the club’s past. Ex-Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has shared a behind-the-scenes account claiming that the Russian billionaire once failed to honor a bonus promise he personally made to the squad after a crucial Champions League match.
The story, recently detailed in Cole’s 2025 autobiography Luxury Player, offers a rare glimpse into the early Abramovich era at Stamford Bridge—a period that would later redefine Chelsea as a global football powerhouse.
Abramovich’s Arrival and Chelsea’s Transformation
Roman Abramovich officially completed his takeover of Chelsea on July 1, 2003, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the West London club. At the time, few could have predicted the scale of success that would follow.
Chelsea had finished fourth in the Premier League under Claudio Ranieri and reached the quarter-finals of both the FA Cup and the League Cup. While competitive, they were still far from the dominant force they would later become.
The takeover, reportedly worth £140 million, included £60 million for the club itself and £80 million to clear outstanding debts. Abramovich’s wealth, ambition, and willingness to invest heavily immediately set Chelsea apart from their domestic rivals.
Signs of a Rising Force Under Ranieri
Before the arrival of José Mourinho in 2004, Chelsea had already begun to show signs of serious progress. During the 2003/2004 Champions League campaign, Ranieri guided the Blues to the semi-finals, an achievement that sent a clear message across Europe.
One of the most memorable moments of that run came in the quarter-final clash against Arsenal. After a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea secured a famous 2-1 victory at Highbury, advancing with a 3-2 aggregate win. The result not only eliminated their London rivals but also marked a psychological turning point for the club.
That night would later become infamous—not just for what happened on the pitch, but for what unfolded in the dressing room.
The Dressing Room Bonus Promise
In Luxury Player, Joe Cole recounts the atmosphere inside the Chelsea dressing room following the historic win over Arsenal. According to the former England international, Abramovich entered the dressing room as he often did, accompanied by his entourage.
“Roman came into the dressing room that night like he usually did, with his people around him,” Cole wrote.
Abramovich, known for his reserved demeanor, appeared unusually animated. The excitement was not only due to reaching the Champions League semi-finals but also because players had already secured a £50,000 bonus for making the last four.
The mood escalated when Adrian Mutu reportedly turned off the music and shouted for a “double bonus.” The players turned toward Abramovich, who enthusiastically agreed.
“‘Double bonus,’ Roman shouted back,” Cole recalled. “The room exploded.”
A Promise That Never Materialized
The celebrations, however, did not end there. Mutu switched off the music once again and called for the bonus to be doubled again. As the players waited for Abramovich’s response, members of his staff quickly ushered the owner out of the dressing room—just before he was believed to be on the verge of committing to an additional £1 million payout.
According to Joe Cole, that bonus was never paid.
The reason, he explains, was that altering the bonus structure mid-season violated existing regulations at the time. As a result, the verbal promise made in the heat of the moment could not be honored.
While the incident may seem minor in the context of Chelsea’s later success, it remains a striking example of how emotion and ambition sometimes clashed with governance during the early Abramovich years.
Abramovich’s Lasting Legacy at Chelsea
Despite the controversy, Abramovich’s impact on Chelsea is undeniable. From 2003 to 2022, the club won an astonishing 21 major trophies under his ownership, including five Premier League titles and two Champions League crowns.
The arrival of José Mourinho in 2004 accelerated Chelsea’s rise. The Portuguese manager delivered back-to-back league titles and laid the foundation for a winning culture that would endure for nearly two decades.
For many former players, Abramovich was a transformative figure—demanding, ambitious, and deeply invested in success, even if moments like the broken bonus promise left lingering memories.
Chelsea Sale and Frozen Funds
Abramovich’s time at Chelsea came to an abrupt end in 2022 when he was forced to sell the club following sanctions imposed by the UK government. The sanctions were introduced after Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine in March 2022.
Chelsea was eventually sold to the Todd Boehly–Clearlake Capital consortium for approximately £2.5 billion. However, the proceeds from the sale remain frozen in a UK bank account.
Although the funds legally belong to Abramovich, he is unable to access them due to the sanctions.
Unfulfilled Promise Beyond Football
Abramovich had previously stated that the money from Chelsea’s sale would be used to help victims of the war in Ukraine. To date, that pledge has not been fulfilled.
The issue has drawn renewed attention under the UK’s new leadership, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reportedly urging Abramovich to release the funds as soon as possible.
As with the dressing room bonus story, the situation reflects a recurring theme in Abramovich’s legacy: grand promises, immense influence, and unresolved questions that continue to follow one of football’s most controversial owners.
While Chelsea have long moved on, stories like Joe Cole’s serve as reminders of the complex, sometimes contradictory era that reshaped the club forever.
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