MX23RW : Saturday, June 29 14:42:55| >> :60:632:632:

Roman Abramovich confirms that he will sell Chelsea

Roman Abramovich confirms that he will sell Chelsea
© Reuters
Owner Roman Abramovich confirms reports that he plans to sell Premier League club Chelsea.

Owner Roman Abramovich has confirmed reports that he plans to sell Premier League club Chelsea as soon as possible.

After Russia invaded Ukraine last Thursday, speculation has persisted that Abramovich will be heavily sanctioned, with the British government seemingly likely to either freeze or seize his assets.

However, on Saturday, Abramovich announced that he was relinquishing stewardship of the club, although the Blues insisted at the time that it was not for sale.

That has now changed, and amid reports of the Russian billionaire being open to offers for the West London outfit, Abramovich has confirmed that he plans to end his near two-decade stay at Stamford Bridge.

A statement read: "I would like to address the speculation in 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."

Earlier on Thursday, Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss revealed that he was one of several people to be contacted over a potential takeover.

ID:479627:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect2815:

Chelsea up for sale - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Roman Abramovich

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich pictured in December 2015
Read Next:
Swiss billionaire 'offered chance to buy Chelsea'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Euro 2024 fixtures header
Saturday, June 29
 
5pm
 
8pm
Sunday, June 30
 
5pm
 
8pm
Monday, July 1
 
5pm
 
8pm
Tuesday, July 2
 
5pm
 
8pm
Friday, July 5
Saturday, July 6
Tuesday, July 9
Wednesday, July 10
Sunday, July 14
Tables header RHS

Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Germany Germany32107
Q Switzerland Switzerland31205
3 Hungary Hungary31023
4 Scotland flag Scotland30121

Group B

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Spain Spain33009
Q Italy Italy31114
3 Croatia Croatia30212
4 Albania national flag Albania30121

Group C

TeamPWDLPTS
Q England flag England31205
Q Denmark Denmark30303
Q Slovenia Slovenia30303
4 Serbia Serbia30212

Group D

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Austria Austria32016
Q France France31205
Q Netherlands Netherlands31114
4 Poland Poland30121

Group E

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Romania Romania31114
Q Belgium Belgium31114
Q Slovakia Slovakia31114
4 Ukraine Ukraine31114

Group F

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Portugal Portugal32016
Q Turkey Turkey32016
Q Georgia Georgia31114
4 Czech Republic Czech Republic30121


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!