In an official statement, Roman Abramovich confirms that Chelsea are for sale

after leaving the Chelsea amid the invasions in Ukraine, the Russian Roman Abramovich, owner of the English team, confirmed this Wednesday that the club is for sale. The information was released on the London team’s official website in an official statement signed by Abramovich.

With the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the billionaire was banned from living in England for having an alleged connection with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Previously, Abramovich decided to transfer the command of Chelsea to the managers of the Chelsea Foundation.

“In the current situation, I therefore took the decision to sell the Club, as I believe it is in the interests of the Club, the fans, the collaborators, as well as the sponsors and partners of the Club”, he began.

Before the official statement, the news of the sale of Chelsea had already been speculated. Abramovich, however, made it clear that the sale will not be accelerated and that he does not intend to be reimbursed for the investments made in the team since the acquisition, made in 2003.

“The sale of the Club will not be accelerated, but it will follow due process. I will not ask for any loan to be repaid. This was never about business or money for me, but about pure passion for the game and for the club,” he said.

Also, Abramovich said that the proceeds from the sale will be donated to a foundation that aims to help victims of the Ukrainian War.

“Furthermore, I have instructed my team to create 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,” he declared.

Check out the full note:

I would like to address the media speculation in recent days regarding my ownership of Chelsea FC. As I have said before, I have always made decisions with the best interests of the Club in mind. In the current situation, I therefore took the decision to sell the Club, as I believe it is in the interests of the Club, the fans, the employees, as well as the Club’s sponsors and partners.

The sale of the Club will not be accelerated, but will follow due process. I will not ask for any loan to be repaid. It was never about business or money for me, it was about pure passion for the game and the club. In addition, I instructed my team to create 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 essential funds for the urgent and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting long-term recovery work.

Please know that this was an incredibly difficult decision to make, and it pains me to part with the Club in this way. However, I believe this is in the best interest of the club.

I hope I can visit Stamford Bridge one last time to say goodbye to you all 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 their fans will always be in my heart..