Russian oligarch, billionaire, businessman, and politician Roman Abramovich has finally taken the decision to sell Chelsea.
This was announced by the club on Tuesday, March 2, 2022.
Portion of the statement read; “I would like to address the speculation in media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC.”
“As I have stated before, 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.”
On the eve of the Carabao Cup final, the 55-year-old opted to “give trustees of Chelsea’s charitable Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC” with immediate effect, amid growing scrutiny over Russian financial power in the UK, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“Please know that this has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, and it pains me to part with the Club in this manner. However, I do believe this is in the best interest of the Club,” the statement added.
The Russian businessman has owned a controlling stake in Chelsea since 2003, triggering the most expansive transfer spending in the club’s history.
Abramovich has bankrolled Chelsea to 18 major trophies with some of the biggest stars in world football arriving at Stamford Bridge, including Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante.
