Last Tuesday Abramovich, the billionaire businessman and the owner of Chelsea football club addressed the rumors and confirmed that he’s leaving. His statement regarding this was published in the club’s official website.
“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”
Abramovich has both Israeli and Portuguese citizenship. He’s one of the most powerful businessmen in Russia. According to Forbes magazine, his net worth is $13.3bn.
Why is he leaving?
Abramovich has been in fear of getting sanctioned because he has ties to the Russian president Vladimir Putin. The UK government has been targeting to sanction everyone who has ties to Russia due to their invasion of Ukraine.
“This has never been about business nor money for me, but about pure passion for the game and Club.”
The Russian businessman has been a proud owner of the blues for 19 long years. This definitely wasn’t an easy decision to make on his part however, according to the fans he did make the right choice given the current situation.
Abramovich does deny the claims with the Russian president and later says in his statement,
“ 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. This includes providing critical funds towards the urgent and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting the long-term work of recovery.”
What’s next for Chelsea?
Swiss billionaire Hansjoerg has shown his interest in buying the club however, it was mentioned it might not be on his own.
Abramovich is also planning to sell his property in London which is situated in one of the most richest streets of London the Kensington Palace Gardens. Chelsea did have their most successful seasons under his ownership.
