Following the imposition of sanctions against Roman Abramovich, the football club that he owns has been granted a ‘special licence’ to continue trading as a football club…  why?  Why is it that sport – and perhaps football in particular – is continually protected from the moral implications of its decisions?

The origin of Roman Abramovich’s money and his character have not suddenly changed – it was known when he purchased the club who he was and how he obtained his fortune.  Even if this recent sanction is more due to the involvement of the company Evraz in the production of Russian tanks the moral decisions needed should be the same: either one supports and continues to be involved with Mr Abramovich – or one does not.

If the footballing organisations accept the patronage of Mr Abramovich, then surely it ensues that they should also accept the impact upon their industry of any decisions Mr Abramovich makes.  This is the risk of allowing private individuals to own and control companies and organisations – they become inextricably linked to that person and that person’s actions.

It is imperative that we live in a world where there are consequences for our actions – allowing football (or any sport) to bypass such consequences is just plain wrong