He was also talking about not wanting to lose them as owners.

Given he's talking about a nation state, and a strategic ally, it's a deeply political statement and one that he shouldn't have made as it could be seen as trying to influence any potential sanction.

And I say that as someone who thinks the rules are a disgrace designed to protect aforementioned green and gold and super socialist wankers, and who couldn't give a fuck what happens to City.