Roman Abramovich has shelved Chelsea’s £1billion new stadium plans and has reportedly withdrawn his application for an investor visa to the United Kingdom in retaliation to the hardline attitude of the Home Office.

And Abramovich is also playing a game of poker over Chelsea’s managerial situation, with the billionaire waiting to see whether Maurizio Sarri’s lawyers can force his exit from Napoli, while head coach Antonio Conte waits to find out his fate.

The incredible situation playing out at Stamford Bridge leaves supporters fearing the Blues are stuck in limbo and falling behind their rivals both off and on the pitch, despite Chelsea’s insistence that Abramovich remains committed to the club.

It appears that Abramovich and Chelsea have been caught up in the diplomatic tensions between Russia and England after the Government suggested it would take a harder line on Russian oligarchs in Britain following the poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury in March.

Following a delay over his application for the renewal of his visa, which resulted in him missing Chelsea’s FA Cup success at Wembley, the Home Office warned that Abramovich may have to account for his vast wealth before being allowed back into the UK.