In absolute terms Saudi and Qatar owning clubs is worse for the game in my opinion. But Abramovich was one of the first pioneers of sports washing. An entity with a truly shady background completely changing his perception outside of Russia.
I doubt sports washing was his primary motivation. But as a side effect he showed the world what was possible and paved the way for Saudi and Qatar.
In absolute terms Saudi and Qatar owning clubs is worse for the game in my opinion. But Abramovich was one of the first pioneers of sports washing. An entity with a truly shady background completely changing his perception outside of Russia.
I doubt sports washing was his primary motivation. But as a side effect he showed the world what was possible and paved the way for Saudi and Qatar.