Roman Abramovich has altered the terms of selling Chelsea after putting the club on the market, according to reports. The Russian has made the call amid his country’s invasion of Ukraine. And it will mark the end of a glittering era at Stamford Bridge where the Blues have won every major trophy possible.
Abramovich was enchanted by English football after watching Manchester United beat Real Madrid 4-3 in a thrilling Champions League clash back in 2003.
And he then decided to use his wealth to buy Chelsea, transforming English football in the process.
Abramovich’s takeover shifted the goalposts in the Premier League, with the west London giants then emerging as a global superpower in the years since.
During his reign, Chelsea has won five league titles, as well as two Champions League crowns and the FA Cup on five separate occasions.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Abramovich signaled the end of an era by saying: “I have always taken decisions with the club’s best interests 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, fans, employees, as well as sponsors and partners.”
Now, according to The Sun, Abramovich has appointed US bankers Raine Group to find a buyer.
It’s stated by the publication that Raine Group had, initially, been asking for ‘indicative bids’ by tomorrow.
However, in his statement, Abramovich then proceeded to indicate that any sale wouldn’t be hasty.
He added: “The sale of the club will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process. I will not be asking for any loans to be repaid.
“This has never been about business, nor money for me, but about pure passion for the game and club.
“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, providing critical funds towards the urgent and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting the long-term work of recovery.”
British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe is one of the names in the frame to buy Chelsea.
And it’s stated two other parties are interested, too, with Switzerland’s richest man US-based Hansjorg Wyss another.
Wyss recently said Abramovich wanted a quick sale, contradicting the Russian’s comments in the process.
