Todd Boehly, Chelsea's co-owner, is making waves with his vision for the Premier League. He recently suggested that the league should consider selling its global TV rights to Netflix, arguing it could "maintain" the league's global success. But while Boehly dreams of streaming deals, funds from the Chelsea sale intended for Ukrainian war victims remain frozen after three long years, casting a shadow over the club's legacy.
Netflix and the Future of Football?
Boehly believes Premier League content is highly valuable due to its widespread demand. "How many global platforms are there? Probably just Netflix," he stated. 
"If you’re thinking about how do I launch a global product, you do it in partnership with content like this." He also urged Premier League executives to "pull together" and agree on priorities, perhaps taking a page from the NFL's playbook.
However, not everyone is on board with Boehly's ideas. Crystal Palace chair Steve Parish has reportedly lamented the potential for an independent regulator, highlighting the ongoing tensions within the league regarding its future direction.
FA Cup Fever and a Villa Park Return
Meanwhile, the FA Cup fifth round is generating excitement, particularly for Anwar El Ghazi. The Cardiff City player is set to return to Aston Villa, where he spent four years and played a key role in their promotion to the Premier League. 
El Ghazi scored Villa's first goal in a playoff final victory over Derby, a game that significantly impacted both clubs' trajectories. Villa fans are expected to give him a hero's welcome.
Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, are hoping to advance to the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time in a decade. Other notable FA Cup fixtures include Crystal Palace v Millwall and Bournemouth v Wolves. VAR is also back, ready to "save us all," according to some.
Frozen Funds and Lingering Questions
Despite the on-field action and boardroom discussions, a more somber note lingers. The funds raised from the Chelsea sale, intended to aid victims of the war in Ukraine, remain frozen. 
The delay has raised concerns and questions about the distribution of these crucial resources. This comes as Chelsea fans recently showed their support for Todd Boehly, with chants and banners praising his leadership, despite the lack of silverware.
As Jonathan Liew noted, Boehly himself commented on the British press, saying they "exaggerate a lot and leave stuff out." Whether that's true or not, the situation surrounding the frozen funds remains a significant issue for the club and its new ownership.
A Club in Transition
Chelsea is a club at a crossroads, navigating a complex landscape of streaming deals, FA Cup ambitions, and the unresolved issue of funds meant to help those affected by the war in Ukraine. The coming months will be crucial in defining the club's future, both on and off the pitch.