Russian Billionaire, Roman Abrahamovic is considering selling his Premier League club Chelsea due to the pressure from the UK government, resulting from his country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Roman Abramovich, Owner of Chelsea celebrates with The FIFA Club World Cup trophy following their side’s victory during the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021 Final match between Chelsea and Palmeiras at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium on February 12, 2022 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
The 55-year-old, who bought the club back in 2003 has led them to becoming on the best clubs in then world, and have since then won the UEFA Champions League on two occasions.
Reports ensured earlier that Abrahamovic will hand over the club to a Charity Foundation made up of six Trustees of the club. However, it appears he has now changed his stance and wants to permanently give up the club.
According to several sources, Abrahamovic wants £2 billion for the club and a lot of names have been linked to the new ownership of the current European Champion, including the famous Irish professional mixed martial artist, Connor McGregor.
In the wake of Abrahamovic confessing his wish to sell the club, 33-year-old McGregor took to his social media handle, Twitter, to update his profile with a caption, “I wish to explore this. @ChelseaFc.”
Also, 86-year-old Hansjorg Wyss reportedly confirmed he is interested in purchasing the Stamford Bridge club from Roman Abramovich, but only in a consortium.
It is obvious even Roman Abrahamovic doesn’t want to give up ownership of the club but due to his already deteriorated relationship with the UK government, made worse by the current ongoing crisis involving his country, he might not be able to cope with the sanctions.
Wyss, who has been seen as a more serious buyer of the club said to news men, “I have to wait four to five days now. Abramovich is currently asking far too much. You know, Chelsea owe him £2bn. But Chelsea has no money. As of today, we don’t know the exact selling price.”
“I can well imagine starting at Chelsea with partners,” said Wyss. “But I have to examine the general conditions first.
“What I can already say: I’m definitely not doing something like this alone. f I buy Chelsea, then with a consortium consisting of six to seven investors.
Todd Boehly, who is a part-owner of Major League Baseball team, Los Angeles Dodgers is also believed to be one of the potential suitors of the club.
Roman Abramovich has set a deadline of Friday for interested buyers to make ‘indicative offers’ and we’ll continue to see who made the most lucrative offer to secure the ownership of the London club.
Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi
