Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has revealed his desire to sell the club after days of speculation.
Abramovich has been under pressure to sell the club since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war amid concerns of his ties to Vladimir Putin and the Russian government.
There have hence been several calls in the UK for Abramovich, who is a Russian citizen, to be sanctioned.
Reports have suggested that the billionaire is in haste to sell off his foreign assets in order to avoid any potential sanctions.
What has Roman Abramovich said?
Amidst increasing speculation, Abramovich has now decided to issue a statement, confirming his intention to sell the club.
“I would like to address the speculation in media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC,” the statement via the Chelsea website read.
“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.
“The sale of the Club will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process. I will not be asking for any loans to be repaid. This has never been about business nor money for me, but about pure passion for the game and Club.”
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The 55-year-old also revealed his intention to set up charities in support of the victims of the war in Ukraine.
“Moreover, I have instructed my team to set up a charitable foundation where all net proceeds from the sale will be donated,” he added.
“The foundation will be for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine.
“This includes providing critical funds towards the urgent and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting the long-term work of recovery.”
Abramovich also admitted the decision was a tough one to make but believes it is in the best interest of the club.
“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. Thank you.”
Abramovich’s influence on Chelsea since taking over at the club has been immense and cannot be overemphasised. Under the Russian’s ownership, Chelsea won every trophy available in modern day club football.
The West London club have won 20 trophies since he took over in 2003 with the latest being the Club World Cup after defeating Palmeiras in the final.
Who can Roman Abramovich sell Chelsea to?
Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss revealed on Tuesday that he was one of four people who had been offered the chance to buy Chelsea by Abramovich.
At the time, there was no confirmation of selling the club by either Chelsea or Roman Abramovich.
Irish mixed martial artist Connor McGregor has also hinted at being interested in buying the club.
It remains to be seen who ends up buying the club but whoever does will have big shoes to fill.
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