How will this affect Usmanov's stake in Arsenal and what about the Russian club in West London? They are already worth less today than they were yesterday which is a good thing. I sense trouble ahead for the Ogliarchs.
The Rouble is ****ed. Falling oil prices and western sanctions on Russia will mean that the bottom falls out of that currency on the worldwide market. Russia have today hiked up interest rates by 7.5% in an attempt to try and halt its falling value. The thing with leeches like Abramovich and Usmanov is that they will have their wealth tied up in all sorts of commodities, cash, stocks and shares, Gold etc and won't be limited to trading in Roubles.
Usmanov will lose wealth. His major holdings are in steel and minerals as far as I know. Trade between Russian firms (which may do business in dollars as some UK firms do, but likely do most of it in Roubles) and international firms will suffer a lot. Most of Usmanov's business will be done with internationals, so that trade will suffer. He will lose money, and an increasing proportion the longer this goes on.
I guess the best thing for us is Usmanov doesn't have total control like Roman has over the Russian club. Which can only be a good thing long term.
He will lose wealth for sure but the guys on everything from Oil, Mineral to Telecommunication companies. As far as Im aware he also owns plenty of real estate in London. I think there's little danger of the guy going 'broke' at this point.
No questions of him being broke - not stupid enough to expose his wealth to currency risk like that. The issue is will he have sufficient "surplus billions"/confidence to indulge in a football team? Alternatively, Arsenal may be seen as a more pressing diversification opportunity as a result of this.
