Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has reportedly slapped a £3 billion price tag on Chelsea as the Russian looks to end his 19 year ownership of the European Champions.
In a statement on Wednesday night, the Russian revealed he is selling the club, and will donate all the profits to victims of the war in Ukraine.
He said: “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.”
LondonWorld understands the Russian oligarch will only entertain buyers who he is certain have what it takes to keep the club ambitious and financially stable.
According to reports in London today, about eight billionaires are already looking through documents and growing their appetite on making a proposal for total ownership.
The Russian’s almost two decades as the owner of the Blues have totally transformed the club, moving them from a mid-table Premier League team to world beaters and current World Champions.
He has brought some of the world’s best players and managers to Stamford Bridge, and continues to write off debts to enure the club operates on a very healthy financial point of view.
One person close to the club said the decision to sell was “the right thing to do [in the current circumstances]” and said Mr Abramovich was keen to ensure a clean transition to a new owner who would be an appropriate steward of Chelsea.
As things stand a lot could happen but there is certainly a shift in position of the opener with regards to what is the best thing to do in his interest and that of Chelsea.
Abramovich will always be a Chelsea fan, and LondonWorld brings you some memorable pictures of the Chelsea owner from his very early days at the club to some of the latest including the recent triumph at Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi.
1. ROME, ITALY - NOVEMBER 3: Roman Abramavich and Chelsea director Richard Creitzman watch from the dugout during the Chelsea training session prior to the
Roman Abramavich and Chelsea director Richard Creitzman watch from the dugout during the Chelsea training session prior to the Champions League First Stage Group G match Photo: Getty Images
2. COBHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - JULY 05: Roman Abramovich, owner of Chelsea, poses during the Chelsea Training Ground Official Opening.
Roman Abramovich, owner of Chelsea, poses during the Chelsea Training Ground Official Opening, at Chelsea’s training ground on July 5, Photo: Getty Images
3. LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Chelsea striker Arjen Robben (R) holds the Barclay’s Premiership trophy aloft as he rides on an open top bus with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich (front), Eidur Gudjohnsen (L) and other teammates during a parade in west London 22 May 2005.
Chelsea striker Arjen Robben (R) holds the Barclay’s Premiership trophy aloft as he rides on an open top bus with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich (front), Eidur Gudjohnsen (L) and other teammates during a parade in west London 22 May 2005. Photo: AFP via Getty Images
4. Chelsea’s Russian owner Roman Abramovich is pictured during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain at Stamford Bridge in London on March 11, 2015.
Chelsea’s Russian owner Roman Abramovich is pictured during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain at Stamford Bridge in London Photo: AFP via Getty Images