Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich: I have decided to sell the club

The owner of the club confirmed he is selling it.

Chris Bryant told the House of Commons that the Russian billionaire is terrified of being sanctioned and is selling his UK home and another flat.

Hansjorg Wyss, a Swiss billionaire, claims he has been offered the chance to buy the club.

After buying the club in a 140 million dollar deal in 2003 he will not ask for any of the loans to be repaid.

The sale of Chelsea will not be fast-tracked, but will follow due process.

This has never been about money or business for me, but about pure passion for the game and club.

Full Abramovich statement

Over the past few days, there has been a lot of speculation in the media about my ownership of the club. I have always taken decisions with the best interests of the club in mind. I decided to sell the club because I believe it is in the best interest of the club, the fans, the employees, as well as the club's sponsors and partners.

Due process will guide the sale of the club. I won't be asking for loans to be repaid. This has never been about money or business for me, but about my passion for the game and club. All net proceeds from the sale will be donated to a charity. All victims of the war in Ukraine will benefit from the foundation. This includes providing critical funds towards the urgent and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting the long-term work of recovery. I hope that I will be able to say goodbye to all of you in person, but I do believe that this is in the best interest of the club. It has been an honor to be a part of the team and I am proud of our accomplishments. I will always be a fan of the club. Thank you, Roman.

More to come...

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