Premier League chief executive Richard Masters believes Roman Abramovich’s sale of Chelsea could happen swiftly, depending on the number of interested parties.
Abramovich confirmed on Wednesday evening that he had decided to sell the club, with billionaires Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss reportedly leading the race with a combined bid.
Masters confirmed that the process does not need to be a drawn out one, and also voiced his opinion that it was the right decision for the Russian to sell.
“I think the quickest one we have ever done is ten days but that’s not to say that record cannot be beaten,” Masters told the Financial Times Business of Football Summit.
“Normally it will take a number of weeks but that will depend on the complexity of the deal really and the number of potential owners.
“Provided that the information is easily digestible, easily understandable and gives us the right answers, it can be done relatively quickly.
He added: “It is the right decision, the situation has escalated incredibly quickly over the last seven days and he has come to the right conclusion that it is unsustainable in the current environment.
“It is a welcome decision and obviously for the sake of everyone, including the fans, the sooner the selling process concludes and completes, the sooner everyone will have certainty.”
Russia continue to be isolated across the world of sport and there is the potential that the broadcast rights for English football to be shown in the country could be impacted.
The Premier League will introduce a series of measures this weekend to show solidarity with Ukraine, including all club captains wearing armbands in Ukrainian colours, and Masters hopes these are messages that are seen in Russia.
“The broadcast rights in Russia are under review,” Masters said.
“I would like the Russian people to see the strength of feeling in the Premier League and English football this weekend but we will look at them very closely in terms of suspension or termination given the current circumstances.
“It is happening right now, we are thinking about it, it’s a fast moving situation.”
