Putin friend Abramovich sells Chelsea - and promises billions in donations for Ukraine

Created: 03/03/2022 09:03

By: Alexander Kaindl

Chelsea FC is being sold: owner Roman Abramovich has now announced his decision - with a promise of billions for Ukraine.

London – Bang in the Premier League: Roman Abramovich and Chelsea go their separate ways.

The Russian oligarch announced that he would sell the club.

Since the beginning of the Ukraine war, national and international media had been speculating heavily about whether Abramovich would withdraw from the business.

After all, he and all other Russian oligarchs in Great Britain are threatened with severe sanctions.

• Roman Abramovich

• Born: October 24, 1966 (age 55), Saratov, Russia

• Estimated wealth: $14.5 billion (Forbes, 2021)

• Established organizations: Gazprom Neft, Millhouse Capital, Runicom Ltd., Mekong

The 55-year-old had recently announced his retirement from operational business, so now he's going one step further and selling the current third-placed player in the Premier League.

Abramovich is considered a friend of Vladimir Putin, but his daughter Sofia has recently positioned herself publicly against the Russian president.

Roman Abramovich and Chelsea: bought for 210 million euros, sold for 3.6 billion euros?

Abramovich is one of the 150 richest people in the world with an estimated fortune of over $14 billion.

In 2003 he bought Chelsea for 210 million euros.

With spectacular transfers, he managed to establish the traditional club from London in the European elite.

Since Abramovich's arrival, the Blues have won the Premier League five times, the FA Cup five times, the Europa League twice and the Champions League twice.

So now the heavy cut - the blue future takes place without Abramovich.

The Russian said in an official statement: "I would like to address the speculation in the media over the past few days regarding my ownership of Chelsea.

As I said before, I've always made decisions in the best interests of the club.

In the current situation I have therefore made the decision to sell the club as I believe it is in the best interests of the club, the fans, the staff and the club's sponsors and partners."

Chelsea FC is being sold: Two super-rich are being discussed as Abramovich's successors

Abramovich's asking price for Chelsea is believed to be around €3.6 billion.

Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss and US investor Todd Boehly, co-owner of baseball team Los Angeles Dodgers, are reportedly preparing a joint bid for Chelsea.

Abramovich also announced that he has commissioned his team to set up a charitable foundation to which all net proceeds from sales will be donated.

“The foundation benefits all victims of the war in Ukraine.

This includes providing critical resources to address the urgent and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting long-term recovery work.”

What will Putin say about Abramovich's billion-dollar donation to Ukraine?

His troops are currently (as of March 3) advancing and bombing large cities such as Kharkiv and Kyiv.

The city of Cherson was taken the night before.

Thomas Tuchel reacts to the sale of Roman Abramovich to Chelsea

Abramovich's statement ends as follows: "I hope to be able to visit Stamford Bridge one last time to personally say goodbye to all of you.

It has been a privilege of my life to be a part of Chelsea FC and I am proud of all our achievements together.

Chelsea Football Club and its fans will always be in my heart."

Roman Abramovich is selling Chelsea.

© Anthony Anex/dpa

After the 3-2 win in the FA Cup against second division Luton Town, in which Timo Werner had scored 2-2 for Chelsea, coach Thomas Tuchel said about Abramowitsch's decision: "Up to now I could only imagine Chelsea with Roman Abramowitsch.

I haven't really realized it yet.

It is of course a massive change.”