Days after handing over the reins to Chelsea FC’s board of trustees, owner Roman Abramovich has announced he’s actively listening to offers to sell the club.
In a statement posted to the club website, the Russian billionaire stated “I would like to address the speculation in [the] media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC. 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. Moreover, I have instructed my team to set up a charitable foundation where all net proceeds from the sale will be donated. 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.”
“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 has recently come under pressure from UK authorities to sell the club as the government looks into sanctions stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While the 55 year old has publicly denied having any direct ties to Putin, there are many who believe the two enjoy a friendlier relationship than Abramovich has let on.
Sources indicate that a sale of the club could fetch upwards of $3 billion on the open market. American firm Raine Group is expected to help oversee the sale which has already generated interest from multiple suitors including Los Angeles Dodgers owner Todd Boehly.
Any potential sale would generate interest from many of the world’s financial elite. Chelsea is a storied franchise which currently sits 3rd in the Premier League behind Manchester City and Liverpool. Abramovich has announced that he intends to donate the proceeds of the sale to help benefit victims of the Ukraine conflict both in the short and long term.