Roman Abramovich officially confirms he will sell Chelsea FC

The tragic events in Ukraine have taken center stage in world news over the last few days. Russia’s invasion of its neighboring country has turned the European continent on its head as politicians from around the globe race to sanction those responsible for the heinous acts. Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich has found himself at the center of attention due to his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The United Kingdom has honed in on sanctioning the Russian oligarch. In turn, the negative press has impacted the everyday operations of Thomas Tuchel and his staff, as well as the Blues’ players.

Abramovich shocked the world when he put out an official statement on the club’s website earlier in the week where he claimed that he was transferring the stewardship and care of the club to the foundation trustees. At the time, it seemed as if this was just a public relations masterstroke from the owner as he attempted to distance himself from the club during this turbulent time. However, another statement coming from Abramovich on Wednesday confirms that Sunday’s press release was just the first step toward eventually selling the club. The owner confirmed shortly before Chelsea’s game at Luton Town on Wednesday that he would be putting the club up for sale.

Want your voice heard? Join the The Pride Of London team!

Write for us!

Roman Abramovich officially confirms he has put Chelsea FC up for sale

Abramovich has been the sole owner of the Blues since 2003. During his time at the helm, Chelsea has ascended to the top of European and world club football, culminating in the most recent UEFA Champions League triumph and victory at the FIFA Club World Cup. The Blues have won 19 trophies in total during the Russian’s tenure. Furthermore, Abramovich has helped grow the women’s game with his significant investments into Emma Hayes’ squad. The Chelsea Women have become one of the most consistent and respected sides in the entirety of the women’s game, winning all 10 trophies under Abramovich’s care. None of that would have been possible without the significant financial and time investment put in by the owner.

Chelsea’s success has not all been on the pitch either. The Blues have led the charge against anti-Semitism in world football. They have been amongst the leading voices in the fight against racism and discrimination, as well. Stamford Bridge and Kingsmeadow have become safe havens for football fans from all walks of life, all thanks to the efforts put in by Abramovich and his staff. It must also be noted that the club was the model for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Blues opened their doors—to both the Bridge and the team hotel—to any NHS member who needed a place to stay, free of charge. The staff continued to get paid, despite not working, and numerous contributions were made to the community.

While Abramovich has been unable to properly distance himself from the horrendous events taking place in Ukraine right now, he was called on by the Ukrainian government to help broker peace between the sides. Furthermore, the Russian oligarch will not seek repayment from the club on the reported £1.5 billion it owes him. Instead, he will be taking the money from any further sale and starting a charitable fund for the victims of the war in Ukraine.

Abramovich is not a perfect man—some may even say he’s far from it due to the evil people he’s associated himself with over the years—but one thing is certain: he has always run Chelsea Football Club as it should be run. The 55-year-old has given the fans a reason to be proud; he’s gone to great lengths to make the blue family a welcoming and better place for all.

There is still a long way to go in this process. The next owner has not yet been identified and it could still take quite some time. Regardless, no matter what happens next, Abramovich has undoubtedly left his mark on Chelsea. I think I speak for all of the Blues supporters when I express my full gratitude to the owner and say, “thank you for everything, Mr. Abramovich.”

What do you make of the shocking news? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!