Come for all the major happenings across the football world. Stay for the original content that explores, reflects on and celebrates the beautiful game.
Follow us on

NEWS

PREMIER LEAGUE

CHELSEA

Abramovich puts Chelsea up for sale and sets up charitable foundation for victims of Ukraine war

The oligarch's close ties with Russian president Putin has come under heavy scrutiny of late

Picture Courtesy of : John Dobson
Roman Abramovich photographed at Stamford Bridge

Roman Abramovich photographed at Stamford Bridge

19 years after buying London-based Chelsea Football Club, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich has confirmed that he has had no choice but to put the club up for sale. 

 

In a statement on Chelsea’s website, the 55-year-old has stated that he won’t ask for the repayment of the massive loan worth £2bn that the club owes him and that all net proceeds from the sale will be donated to a foundation set up for the victims of the war in Ukraine.

“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.” read part of the statement. 

 

The Russian stressed that it has been an incredibly difficult decision for him to make and that he hopes to be able to visit Stamford Bridge one final time to say goodbye in person. 

 

Fans of Chelsea will be sad to see the back of the man who put them on the football map and helped them compete regularly with the elites of European football ever since he bought the club in 2003.

 

According to newspaper Blick, Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss, as part of a consortium, could consider buying the English football club.

RELATED STORIES

Roman Abramovich photographed at Stamford Bridge

PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea confirm club’s sale and end of Roman Abramovich era

The Todd Boehly-led consortium wins the bid to acquire the London Club

2 years ago

Arteta celebrating Arsenal's FA Cup win

PREMIER LEAGUE

Mikel Arteta signs new three-year contract with Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta extends his stay in North London until 2025

2 years ago

Roman Abramovich photographed at Stamford Bridge

PREMIER LEAGUE

Roman Abramovich addresses media speculation and clarifies position in latest Chelsea statement

Chelsea are in the process of finalising a takeover for which American Todd Boehly has already been chosen as the preferred bidder

2 years ago

Salah holding the UEFA Super Cup after Liverpool beat Chelsea on penalties

PREMIER LEAGUE

Salah bags prestigious accolade for the second time

Chelsea’s Sam Kerr is named the Women’s Footballer of the Year

2 years ago

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp gestures to the fans at Anfield

PREMIER LEAGUE

Jurgen Klopp extends Anfield stay till 2026

The German had earlier said he would only remain past 2024 “if I had the energy”

2 years ago