Roman Abramovich to sell Chelsea: Everything Russian said - including on Ukraine war charity

Roman Abramovich has announced he is going to sell Chelsea, and all the profits of the sale are going towards victims of the war in Ukraine.

The Russian has come under pressure over alleged links to president Vladimir Putin, who has brutally invaded Ukraine.

It is thought that Abramovich could be hit by sanctions from the UK government, who are trying to put pressure on Putin.

The oligarch announced last week that he was handing over the running of Chelsea to club’s charitable arm.

After increased speculation, he tonight announced that he was going to sell the Blues.

He said he would be writing off any loans he had with Chelsea, and any profits from the sale will go towards a charity to help the victims of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Everything Roman Abramovich said about selling Chelsea

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