It's official. Roman Abramovich has confirmed he has decided to sell Chelsea Football Club after 19 years at the helm.
In a statement on the club's official website, he wrote: "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.
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"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.
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"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."
It was reported on Tuesday that three potential buyers were interested in the west London club.
Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss confirmed he has been approached by Abramovich to buy them. "Like all other oligarchs, he is in a panic," Wyss told Swiss newspaper Blick.
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"Abramovich is trying to sell all his villas in England. He also wants to get rid of Chelsea quickly. I and three other people received an offer on Tuesday to buy Chelsea from Abramovich."
Wyss, who is worth a reported £4.36 billion, confirmed that he won't be buying the club on his own.
"I have to wait four to five days now. Abramovich is currently asking far too much. You know, Chelsea owe him £2 billion," the billionaire added.
"As of today, we don't know the exact selling price.
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"I can well imagine starting at Chelsea with partners. But I have to examine the general conditions first.
"But what I can already say, I'm definitely not doing something like this alone. If I buy Chelsea, then with a consortium consisting of six to seven investors."
Thoughts on Abramovich's decision to sell Chelsea?
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Topics: Chelsea, Premier League
Jack Kenmare