Soon-to-be former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has unveiled a lengthy statement on Thursday, providing a fresh insight into his ongoing endeavours to sell the club.
The subject of the situation in the boardroom at Stamford Bridge has of course taken its place centre stage in the headlines for some time now.
This comes with the aforementioned Abramovich having been left with no choice but to seek out a sale of his beloved Blues, after being sanctioned by the UK government on the back of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Widespread speculation has inevitably followed, albeit with a changing of hands in west London now looking imminent.
A consortium led by American businessman Todd Boehly is expected to take up the reins at Chelsea over the coming weeks, after a takeover deal worth a sum in the region of £3.5 million was struck late last week:
Confirmed: Todd Boehly has won the race to buy Chelsea in a deal worth more than £3.5billion, despite a dramatic late hijack attempt from Britain’s richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe | @Matt_Law_DT @SamWallaceTel and @Tom_Morgs #cfc https://t.co/0cHRWhYhxA
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) April 29, 2022
‘Has not asked for loan to be repaid’
And now, as alluded to above, Abramovich has spoken out.
In an official statement unveiled across Chelsea’s social media platforms, the Russian billionaire has moved to provide clarification on the ongoing media speculation surrounding his name, as follows:
”Firstly, Mr Abramovich’s intentions in relation to gifting the proceeds from the Chelsea sale to charity have not changed.
”Since the initial announcement, Mr Abramovich’s team has identified senior representatives from UN bodies and large global charitable organizations who have been tasked with forming a Foundation and setting out a plan for its activities. The lead independent expert has had conversations with Government representatives presenting the structure and initial plans.
”Mr Abramovich has not been involved in this work and it has been managed independently by experts with years of experience working in humanitarian organizations.
”Secondly, Mr Abramovich has not asked for any loan to be repaid to him – such suggestions are entirely false – as are suggestions that Mr Abramovich increased the price of the Club last minute. As part of Mr Abramovich’s objective to find a good custodian for Chelsea FC, he has however encouraged each bidder throughout this process to commit investing in the Club – including in the Academy, Women’s team, necessary redevelopment of the stadium as well as maintaining the work of Chelsea Foundation.
Roman Abramovich celebrates with The FIFA Club World Cup trophy following the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021 Final match between Chelsea and Palmeiras at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium on February 12, 2022 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
”Following sanctions and other restrictions imposed on Mr Abramovich by the UK since announcing that the Club would be sold, the loan has also become subject to EU sanctions, requiring additional approvals. That means that the funds will be frozen and subject to a legal procedure governed by authorities. These funds are still earmarked for the Foundation. The Government are aware of these restrictions as well as the legal implications.
”To be clear, Mr Abramovich has no access or control of these funds and will not have any access or control of these funds following the sale. Despite the changing circumstances since his initial announcement – he remains committed to finding a good custodian for Chelsea FC and making sure the proceeds go to good causes.”
Statement on behalf of Mr Abramovich.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 5, 2022
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