Roman Abramovich, the owner of Chelsea, has put to rest rumors about his plans for the English Premier League club.
In a statement posted on the club’s website on Wednesday, Abramovich stated that he has decided to sell the club.
Due to his alleged ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the 55-year-old Russian oligarch has been in the spotlight.
During a recent broadcast, US President Joe Biden promised that the West would seize everything belonging to Russian oligarchs, including their apartments.
Despite Abramovich’s denials of any ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, calls for his sanction continue to grow louder.
However, Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss previously revealed that Abramovich had contacted him to see if he wanted to buy the club for more than £2 billion.
“I would like to address the speculation in the media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC,” Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich said in a statement.
“As I’ve previously stated, I’ve always made decisions with the Club’s best interests in mind. In the current situation, I have decided to sell the Club because I believe it is in the best interests of the Club, its fans, employees, sponsors, and partners.
“The sale of the Club will not be rushed, but will be conducted in accordance with the law. I’m not going to ask for any loans to be repaid. For me, it’s never been about the money or the business; it’s always been about my love for the game and the club.
“In addition, I’ve directed my team to establish a charitable foundation to which the sale’s net proceeds will be donated.”
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“All victims of the Ukrainian war will benefit from the foundation.” This includes providing critical funds for victims’ immediate and urgent needs, as well as supporting long-term recovery efforts.
“Please understand that this has been a very difficult decision for me to make, and I regret having to part ways with the Club in this way. However, I believe this is in the Club’s best interests.
“I hope to be able to pay one last visit to Stamford Bridge to say goodbye to all of you in person.” Being a part of Chelsea FC has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I am proud of all of our accomplishments together. Chelsea Football Club and its fans will always have a special place in my heart.”
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