Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich

Chelsea for sale, Abramovich confirms

The Blues have been under increasing pressure due to the ownership of Abramovich and his links to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

02 Mar 2022, 19:49 by Tunde Eludini · Premium Times

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has released an official statement confirming his intention to sell the club amidst speculations around the Premier League giants.

The Blues, who were beaten by Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, have been under increasing pressure due to the ownership of Abramovich and his links to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Abramovich recently handed the day-to-day running of the club to Chelsea’s charitable foundation, but after speculation that he was ready to entertain offers to sell, he has since confirmed that stance in a statement released to supporters on Wednesday evening.

The Russain billionaire maintained that all of his decisions is in the best interest of the Club, the fans, the employees, as well as the Club’s sponsors and partners.

In the 19 years since he has spent more than £1 billion, won 19 major trophies and sacked 11 managers.

In that time, Chelsea have won:

5 Premier League titles (2004-05, 2005-06, 2009-10, 2014-15, 2016-17)

5 FA Cups (2006-07, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2011-12, 2017-18)

3 League Cups (2004-05, 2006-07, 2014-15)

2 Champions Leagues (2011-12, 2020-21)

2 Europa Leagues (2012-13, 2018-19)

Club World Cup (2021-22)

UEFA Super Cup (2021-22)

FULL STATEMENT…

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.