Russian businessman Roman Abramovich announced on Wednesday that English club Chelsea, which he has owned since 2003, is up for sale.
In a statement from Chelsea, the 55-year-old billionaire announced his "decision to sell the club", citing "the current situation".
The net proceeds of the sale donated to war victims
He specified that he would not ask for the reimbursement of the loans he granted to the London club, estimated at 1.5 billion pounds (1.8 billion euros) and that the "net proceeds" of the sale would be donated to a "charitable foundation for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine".
Abramovich is not yet subject, unlike many Russian oligarchs, to financial sanctions from the European Union or the British authorities, but the pressure had increased sharply since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Statement from Roman Abramovich.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 2, 2022
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He had initially decided on Saturday to delegate the management of the club to the six administrators of the Chelsea foundation.
But press reports of a possible sale had already materialized on Wednesday morning when Hansjorg Wyss, one of Switzerland's wealthiest men, told the
Blick
newspaper that he had been offered to buy Chelsea.
Chelsea bought 168 million euros in 2003
"The sale of the club will not be done in a hurry and will follow its normal course", further specified Abramovitch to make it clear that he does not intend to sell off the club bought in 2003 for 140 million pounds (168 M EUR) and in which he had invested almost lavishly ever since.
“Please believe it has been an incredibly difficult decision to make and it pains me to leave the club in this way.
However, I really think it's in the interest of the club."
“I hope to be able to visit Stamford Bridge one last time to say goodbye to everyone in person.
It has been the privilege of a lifetime to be part of Chelsea FC and I am proud of all our achievements.
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