By Harry Harris
The chairman of the FA, Lord Triesman, has described Chelsea as
"pioneers" in making English football more international.
Empics
Lord Triesman: FA chairman claims Chelsea are leading
the way.
While Chelsea have felt targeted by FIFA and UEFA in recent
years for their transfer policy, Russian owner Roman Abramovich
will be proud that the FA recognises the club's place in forwarding
the brand of English football, which includes so many world-class
foreign stars.
Lord Triesman, speaking at the Leaders of Football business
event at Stamford Bridge, described the West London stadium complex
as "one of the most iconic sports venues."
He added: "It is hard to believe, as you look around now that
there were times when the football club needed to rent Stamford
Bridge out. I don't even want to imagine what the ground staff or
Mr Abramovich would say if someone came along with such a proposal
now.
"Today, Chelsea is at the forefront of a game that is more
global than it has ever been. The club has been a pioneer in recent
years as domestic football has become more international.
"By signing the very best European stars - Gianluca Vialli, Ruud
Gullit, Gianfranco Zola - stars who enriched our game and who, in
several cases, stayed on to pursue coaching, managerial and media
careers in England. We learned from stars from around the world. We
continue to do so today, and not least from Fabio Capello.
"Chelsea was the first club to win the FA Cup under a
non-British manager when Ruud Gullit lifted the famous and oldest
trophy 12 years ago. So few clubs symbolise or have lived the dream
produced by the changes of the last 15 years more than this
one.
"These are changes some might say are among the most profound
since the birth of professional football. Changes that echoed
throughout English football...and world football. Changes that have
driven the process of football's globalisation."