Abramovich Puts Chelsea Up For Sale
Roman Abramovich, the Russian billionaire owner of Chelsea FC, has confirmed his intention to sell the Premier League club.
Reports have suggested that Abramovich, who acquired Chelsea in 2003, is hoping to sell the club for at least £3bn.
The news comes with several European and UK politicians pushing for sanctions, including asset freezes, to be imposed on oligarchs with alleged links to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The announcement yesterday (2nd March) follows a statement by Abramovich on Saturday that he would hand over “stewardship and care” of the club to its foundation trustees. BBC Sport reported that this will no longer happen following his latest declaration.
In his statement last night, Abramovich indicated that he would not ask “for any loans to be repaid” and said that “all net proceeds from the sale will be donated” to a foundation set up to help “all victims of the war in Ukraine”.
He added, “As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the club’s best interest at heart. In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the club, the fans, the employees, as well as the club’s sponsors and partners.
“Please know that this has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, and it pains me to part with the club in this manner. However, I do believe this is in the best interest of the club.
“I hope that I will be able to visit Stamford Bridge one last time to say goodbye to all of you in person. It has been a privilege of a lifetime to be part of Chelsea FC and I am proud of all our joint achievements. Chelsea Football Club and its supporters will always be in my heart.”
Abramovich is thought to have loaned the club more than £1.5bn.
Various wealthy businessmen have been linked with a bid for the club already, with Swiss tycoon Hansjorg Wyss having told the Blick newspaper in his home country that he had been given the opportunity to table an offer.
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