Roman Abramovich, the Russian owner of Chelsea FC, stated that he had made the very tough decision to sell the English soccer club Chelsea FC due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Abramovich gave a lengthy statement explaining his decision. While he has not asked for Russia to end its invasion of Ukraine, he has stated that the revenues from the sale will be used to help war victims.

Statement of Abramovich

As I have stated previously, I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interests in mind,” he said in a statement. “I would like to clarify the media speculation over the past few days concerning my ownership of Chelsea FC.”

Therefore, I have decided to sell the Club, as I believe this would be in the best interests of the Club, its fans, the employees, and the Club’s sponsors and partners.

Success of Chelsea

This is a major turning point in English football after nearly two decades of Abramovich’s squad consistently challenging for the sport’s top honors. Chelsea has won 19 major trophies in the Abramovich era, including their first two Champions League wins and five Premier League victories.

Abramovich, who is said to have close relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, is not listed among a growing list of British sanctions targeting Russian banks, enterprises, and pro-Kremlin tycoons. However, the Chelsea owner’s fear of tax evasion has fueled his decision to sell the Club.

Two of the parties potentially preparing a joint proposal for the Premier League giants are Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss and US investor Todd Boehly, a co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball franchise.

Wyss, 86, told the Swiss magazine Blick that he was offered to acquire Chelsea because Abramovich wanted to “get rid of Chelsea quickly” to avoid political consequences.