Following days of rumours it has been confirmed that Chelsea is up for sale and owner Roman Abramovich states funds raised from the sale will go to the victims of the ongoing war in Ukraine via a charitable foundation he has instructed his team to set up in his name.
Abramovich: “I will not be asking for any loans to be repaid. This has never been about business for me, but about pure passion for the game and Club”. 🚨🔵 #CFC
“I have instructed my team to set up a charitable foundation for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine”. pic.twitter.com/t3NtO08DOj
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 2, 2022
Helping Victims of Ukraine War – Roman Abramovich States Funds Will Help Those Affected
Statement
Roman Abramovich released a statement via the official Chelsea website explaining how his decision to sell the club was difficult and not one that he has taken lightly:
“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.”
Abramovich has come under scruting since the regime of President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine amid talk of his backing for the President. A number of Russian figures in the UK have had their assets frozen as the UK Government and other countries around the world hit Russia with the severest possible economic sanctions in response to the unprovoked invasion.
In the Interests of Chelsea
Abramovich goes on to say that he has taken the decision to sell in the best interests of the football club and that the decision has been taken to protect everyone associated with the club:
“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.”
There had been suggestions that the sale of Chelsea may get fast tracked but the owner has said that will not be the case and that due process will be followed:
“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”
Abramovich said that any proceeds from the sale will go to victims of war as well as the recovery of Ukraine which will need much support to rebuild:
“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.”
Last Goodbye
The owner who has presided over years of success at the club has said that he hopes he will get one last chance to see the fans at Stamford Bridge so that he can say a final and proper goodbye.
Chelsea now must await new owners and hope that whoever that may be can continue the work done during Abramovich’s reign, but the most important issue is that the war in Ukraine is halted as soon as possible.
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