Roman Abramovich Selling Chelsea Soccer

[Dylan]

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has said he is giving trustees of the club's charitable foundation "stewardship and care" of the Premier League side.

Abramovich, 55, has owned Chelsea, the reigning European champions, since 2003.

A statement published on Chelsea's website on Saturday night said: "During my nearly 20-year ownership of Chelsea FC, I have always viewed my role as a custodian of the club, whose job it is ensuring that we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future, while also playing a positive role in our communities.

"I have always taken decisions with the Club's best interest at heart. I remain committed to these values.

"That is why I am today giving trustees of Chelsea's charitable Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC.

"I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the Club, players, staff, and fans."

Abramovich's position as the owner of Chelsea has come under increased scrutiny this week.

On Thursday, Chris Bryant, a Labour MP, said during Business Questions at the House of Commons on Thursday that he had obtained documents from 2019 which link Abramovich to illicit finance and "malign activity".

Abramovich has always vehemently denied being close to the Kremlin or having done anything which could merit him being punished.

Earlier in the week Prime Minister Boris Johnson claimed that Abramovich already faced sanctions from the UK government, but his spokesperson later clarified that the Prime Minister had "misspoke" in the House of Commons.

 

[Dylan]

Seems dodgy to me. Like the police coming round to confiscate stolen goods but you've given them to your mate so you're in the clear?

 

[Tom]

Tbh this is pretty significant and I don't see him taking ownership back. The world is going to be a very different place in the coming weeks, months, and years. A lot can change but Russia will be ostracised and those with wealth and influence will be excluded and feel the pinch.

This feels like he's slipping away quietly and quickly before he's pushed. Uncertain times for Chelsea.

 

[Dylan]

Means nothing unless he's anticipating sanctions on more Russians in the UK who "might" be closer to Putin.

 

[Bandit]

In all honesty I think he has been one of the best owners of a football club there could be. But given the incoming sanctions he has done right distancing himself from Chelsea before the government make their operations impossible under his stewardship.

However long the sanctions last one thing is for certain, without him, they will definitely suffer from a financial perspective.

 

[Tom]

The trustees of Chelsea's charitable foundation have not yet agreed to take control of the club. Members of the charitable foundation met on Sunday to discuss the situation.

But some have concerns over whether Charity Commission rules would allow them to run the club, and the foundation's lawyers are now exploring what can be done.

There are also understood to be some members of the foundation concerned about their legal liability if they agree to take on responsibility for running the club

 

[Crabtree]

An official statement from Chelsea confirms Roman Abramovich is selling the club

"I would like to address the speculation in media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC.

"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.

"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.

"Moreover, 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.

"This includes providing critical funds towards the urgent and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting the long-term work of recovery.

"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.

"I hope that I will be able to visit Stamford Bridge one last time to say goodbye to all of you in person. It has been a privilege of a lifetime to be part of Chelsea FC and I am proud of all our joint achievements. Chelsea Football Club and its supporters will always be in my heart. Thank you, Roman."

 

[Tom]

Mushin Bayrak, a Turkish billionaire worth 11B is trying to buy the club. No consortium.

 

[Bandit]

Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK government, which means -

• All UK assets frozen.

• Chelsea can still operate under a special licence but sale now banned.

• No player transfers or new contracts allowed.

• No merchandise sales allowed, club shop has been closed.

• Club will not be allowed to sell any more matchday tickets - only season ticket holders can go to games.

• No away fans for the foreseeable future.

 

[David76]

Can't say I agree with the way this is being handled, the club should be taken from him and sold.

Restricting the club in this way and staff losing jobs, just shows that football club ownership is completely broken.

Surely after this and countless other things that have happened they will review it