Roman Abramovich has decided to sell Chelsea FC after a few days of deliberation. The Russian club owner made the announcement on the Blues’ website.
A few days ago, Abramovich had announced his intention to relinquish control of the London Premier League club and place it in a trust. This is now how it came about on Wednesday night.
Abramovich waives €1.8 billion in loans
After almost 20 years of ownership, Abramovich had to fear that his assets could be frozen by sanctions given his closeness to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The sale will now not be rushed, he said, but will proceed in an orderly fashion. Part of the process, he said, was Abramovich’s waiver of £1.5 billion (around €1.8 billion) he lent Chelsea during his “reign”. “It was never about business or money for me, but solely about passion for football and this club,” the 55-year-old said in a club statement.
Foundation for “all victims of the war in Ukraine “
Furthermore, Abramovich stated that the foundation should use the sale money to alleviate the suffering of “all victims of the war in Ukraine”. According to Abramovich, the most urgent needs of the victims should be met, but these funds should also be used for long-term reconstruction.
Wyss and Boehly among the interested parties
In an interview with the newspaper “Blick”, Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss (86) reported that he and three other people had received an offer for the club of internationals Kai Havertz, Antonio Rüdiger and Timo Werner as well as coach Thomas Tuchel. “He wants to get rid of Chelsea quickly,” Wyss said. “Like all other oligarchs, he is panicking.” It has already been suggested in the English parliament that Abramovich’s accounts should be frozen, even though he is not currently on the EU sanctions list.
Wyss is said to be part of a consortium with US businessman Todd Boehly interested in buying Chelsea FC. Boehly is part owner of the US baseball team the L.A. Dodgers.
Abramovich hopes for final visit to Stamford Bridge
Abramovich said selling the club had been an “incredibly difficult decision”. He said he hoped he would get another chance to make a final visit to Stamford Bridge to say “good-bye” to everyone.
Abramovich had taken over Chelsea FC in 2003 and supported it with major investments. Since then, the club has won 19 titles, including the Champions League twice (2012, 2021) and five English league titles (2005, 2006, 2010, 2015 and 2017).
