Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has announced his intention to sell the club amid external pressure regarding the war in Ukraine and the threat of sanctions from the British government.
The Russian oligarch bought Chelsea for nearly $190 million in 2003 and has reportedly turned down offers of £2.2 billion ($2.9 billion) for the club in the past.
“I would like to address the speculation in media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC,” Abramovich said in a statement. ”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.
