Roman Abramovich Backs UEFA’s Spending Cap Plan - Michel Platini

Chelsea's billionaire owner Roman Abramovich is backing plans that prevent clubs spending excessively on transfers, according to UEFA president Michel Platini.

Platini's proposal states that clubs can only spend what they earn in revenue, and any club that doesn't balance the books within three years would face expulsion from European competitions.

"It's mainly the owners that asked us to do something: Roman Abramovich, Silvio Berlusconi [Milan], Massimo Moratti [Inter]," Platini told ESPN. "They do not want to fork out any more.

"Manchester City can spend £300m if they want to, but if they are not breaking even in three years then they cannot play in European competition," explained the UEFA chief. "I haven't spoken to Manchester City about this, and I don't remember meeting their owner, but I'm sure I will.

"Roman Abramovich is a football person and passionate about the game. He loves football. He has come to me and said that we must do something about this.

"It doesn't matter if one team doesn't agree, because this is what the clubs want," said Platini.

Chelsea have restricted their spending to £23 million in the current transfer window, however, Abramovich has spent over £700m in the past six years, establishing Chelsea as one of the biggest sides in Europe.

Owen Watson, Goal.com