Businessman, Roman Arkadyevich Abramovich has revealed that he has a plan to sell his football club, Chelsea.
The Russian oligarch and billionaire who disclosed this development in a statement on the Premier League club’s website said he made the “incredibly difficult decision” which “pains” him.
Considering the on-going war in the Ukraine, the politician has made a resolution not ask “for any loans to be repaid”, stressing that his proceeds of the sale would be donated to war victims.
Abramovich while expressing his concerns for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine said on Saturday that he would give ‘’stewardship and care’’ of Chelsea to its foundation trustees.
Meanwhile, this development has also triggered the speculation that Abramovich has loaned the club more than £1.5bn and he is ready to put Chelsea up for sale.
In response to the claims of the club sale, billionaire Hansjorg Wyss, while speaking to Swiss newspaper, Blick on Wednesday said he had been offered the chance to buy the club.
Wyss has also shared his thoughts on why Abramovich wanted “to get rid of Chelsea quickly” after the threat of sanctions was raised in Parliament.
Although, the alleged claims that the 55-year-old have strong ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been denied by him.
In his words, “all net proceeds from the sale” would be donated to the “victims of the war in Ukraine”.
In his statement, Abramovich said: “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.
“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.”
