Roman Abramovich Will Only Sell Chelsea Under Certain Conditions

Roman Abramovich wants Chelsea to remain successful after he's sold the club, and that's why he's been very particular about who to sell to.

Abramovich has decided to sell Chelsea, after 19 years as the club's owner, in the wake of Russia invading Ukraine, with one MP calling for the club to be seized from him.

The team's fans have thrown their support behind the billionaire who has bought all the success to West London in the past two decades, including some chanting his name on Saturday during the minute's applause in solidarity with Ukraine.

Abramovich is obviously trying to repay the love the fans have for him by selling to the right person, or people, to take the team forward after he's left.

According to the Mirror, amongst the criteria for any prospective buyer is that the new owner will continue the policy to invest in the playing squad.

Abramovich and John Terry had a lot of success together. Image: PA Images

Abramovich has spent a huge amount on buying players since becoming owner, and it has been the driving force behind their five Premier League title and two Champions League wins in that time.

Even in the past year he has spent around £106 million, although most of that was just on Romelu Lukaku, with the rest the loan price for Saul Niguez.

He has occasionally pulled back on his spending but in recent years it has been back at its highest, as they attempt to keep pace with Manchester City and Liverpool.

The 55-year-old was also originally going be building a new stadium for the Blues, but ended that project when his UK citizenship application was denied in 2018.

Investment into a new stadium, or the development of Stamford Bridge, is also on the criteria for any new owner, with the Russian reportedly not in a rush to sell.

The development of Stamford Bridge, or a move to a new stadium, is important for any buyer. Image: PA Images

Already it has been reported that the Saratov born owner was wary of selling to any one that would be considered 'politically controversial.'

With the Premier League also looking into adding human rights record to their 'fit and proper persons test', it is thought to rule out any buyers from Saudi Arabia or China.

Whilst Chelsea fans have been supporting Abramovich, former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan claimed he was 'one of the worst things to happen to English football.'

Topics: Premier League, Chelsea, Roman Abramovich

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a journalist for SPORTbible with over eight years of experience. Passionate about all sports, he mainly covers football and F1 - Daniel Ricciardo once spent an entire interview referring to him as 'Ryan Gosling,' still his proudest moment.

@Sidler28