Abramovich confirms Chelsea sale: ‘Proceeds to Ukraine war victims’ | Football

sport">The wealthy Russian has made this known through a statement from Chelsea. “I would like to address the media speculation in recent days regarding my ownership of Chelsea FC. As I’ve said before, I’ve always made decisions with the best interests of the club in mind. In the current situation, I have therefore made the decision to sell the club, because I think it is in the best interest of the club, the fans, the employees, as well as the sponsors and partners of the club.”

sport">Sign up for the Football Update and stay up to date with the latest football news.

sport">To continue: “The sale of the club will not be accelerated but will follow the proper process. I will not ask for loan repayments. This was never about business or money for me, but about pure passion for the game and the club. In addition, I have instructed my team to establish a charitable foundation to which all net proceeds from the sale will be donated.”

sport">The Russian adds: “The foundation benefits 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 efforts. Know that this has been an incredibly difficult decision and it pains me to have to say goodbye to the club in this way. However, I believe that this is in the best interest of the club.”

Chelsea in his heart

sport">Abramovich closes and says goodbye to his club. “I hope I can visit Stamford Bridge one last time to say goodbye to all of you personally. It has been a privilege in my life to be a part of Chelsea FC and I am proud of all our achievements together. Chelsea and her supporters will always be in my heart.”

sport">Swiss businessman Hansjörg Wyss said earlier in the day that he had received an offer from Abramovich to take over Chelsea. That’s what the 86-year-old billionaire said to the Swiss newspaper view.

Good acquaintance of Putin

sport">Abramovich is known as a close acquaintance of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also plays a role in the Russia-Ukraine talks, which are being held in Belarus. He says he wants to donate large parts of the proceeds from the sale of the club to victims of the war in Ukraine. “We want to provide as much help as possible to people who need it now. In addition, there will also be a fund for the recovery of Ukraine in the longer term.”

sport">Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003. He then invested hundreds of millions in the club, which under his leadership won five league titles and twice the Champions League.

sport">Abramovich has not interfered with the day-to-day management of Chelsea for years. The Russian lost his British visa in 2018 and has rarely been seen at Stamford Bridge since then. He was in Porto last year at the final of the Champions League won by Chelsea.

—