Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich confirmed he would sell the Blues in a “very difficult and painful” decision. Roman Abramovich will also write off Chelsea’s debt and all net profits from the sale of the Blues will be used to help victims of the war in Ukraine.
Roman Abramovich’s statement came in a communication via the club’s official website on Thursday (3/3/2022). Abramovich is one of the names of the Russian oligarchs who are said to have close relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Abramovich had said on Sunday (27/2/2022) early morning that he would hand over control of the club to the trustees of the Chelsea Charitable Foundation. This is done in order to protect the club from potential bans by the British Government. However, Abramovich did not mention in the statement that he would sell the Blues. This raises many questions as there have been calls for the 55-year-old mining tycoon to sell Chelsea in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Now, Abramovich has again issued a statement in which he emphasized his intention to sell Chelsea. “I would like to address the speculation that has been circulating in the media in recent days regarding my ownership of Chelsea,” Abramovich’s statement read.
“As I have said before, I always make decisions with the best interests of the club in them. In the current situation, I have taken the decision to sell the club because I believe this is the best thing for the club, the fans, employees, as well as sponsors and club partners.”
Abramovich also stated that he would not ask for a return of all the money he had lent to the club over the last 19 years. According to the latest financial statements of Fordstam Limited, Chelsea’s parent company, Abramovich has provided a loan worth 1.5 billion pounds during his tenure as Chelsea owner. “I will not ask the club for any loan to be repaid. It’s not about business or money for me, it’s purely about a passion for football and the club.”
He then said that he would use all the profits from the sale of Chelsea to help victims of the war in Ukraine. “Moreover, I have instructed my team to set up a charitable foundation where all net profits from the club’s sales will be donated. The foundation will be for all victims of the war in Ukraine,” the statement continued.
“This includes providing critical funds for the immediate and immediate needs of the victims, as well as to support the long-term recovery process. Please know that this is a very difficult decision for me and very painful to part with club like this. However, I have always believed that this is in the best interest of the club.”
“I look forward to visiting Stamford Bridge one more time to say goodbye to all of you in person. It has been a lifetime honor to be a part of Chelsea FC and I am always happy with our achievements together. Chelsea Football Club and all of its supporters will always be in my heart.”
Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003 and made the Blues a powerhouse of European and world football. Under Abramovich’s funding, Chelsea, among others, won the Premier League five times, the FA Cup five times, the Champions League twice, the Europa League twice, and finally won the Club World Cup.
