Thing is the deal said the money should go to the victims of the war; not specifically Ukrainian victims. Sure the invaded party are traditional the victims of the invasion in question.

But I think Roman wants to drag out the whole thing. I don’t think the other Oligarchs are happy if he gives money to any non-separatist Ukrainian. Meanwhile the UK government cannot sanction it if even 1 million pounds of the money goes to grieving Russian mothers. So the money are stuck in limbo because RM’s assets are frozen not seized.

So I think it’s more a question of political convenience

Not saying it never happens. But many footballers are kinda-injured all the time. Makes sense they need a game off once in a while.

Broadcasters think they get more money this way.

Idk. Messi and Ronaldo has dominated for countless years and Ronaldo also won it when he was at Man Utd (first time around).

I think there are a couple of things this year. Like KDB, Rodri and Haaland all splitting the man city votes. I don’t think it’s unreasonable that some people think KDB or Rodri was better than Haaland. Man City are an incredible team and individual awards is more achievable when you are the undisputed star your team.

Henry 2003: Nedved was also insanely good in that period. I get why some people thought Henry was better; but there wasn’t daylight between the two players.

Ultimately individual awards in team sports are a bit weird.

Not a big shock that the owners of the 20 clubs aren’t the best people to police the 20 clubs.

I think the money are still sitting in a bank account, but yeah.

It should be Man udt. Simply because they have the highest wage bill.

But I think Chelsea.

Their owners might not know a lot about football but they at least trying to learn and they know high revenue isn’t a guarantee if they keep underperforming.

Also it seems healthier to be a Chelsea manager than Man Utd ditto.

I would get with two big breaks in a year. Geography simply means certain places are unsuited for football in June.

But yes group international games into one or two periods every year and that’s it.