Roman Abramovich: Owner reportedly considers selling Chelsea Football Club
By Joel Edkins
Roman Abramovich’s ownership of Chelsea has been brought into further doubt as accounts emerge of the Russian oligarch actually “considering” to sell the club for the first time during his reign.
As reported by BBC Sport, Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss told newspaper Blick that Abramovich “wants to get rid of Chelsea quickly”.
The comments surface after Abramovich handed over stewardship of the West-London side to trustees of their charitable foundation a matter of days ago.
Wyss went on to say:
"Abramovich is trying to sell all of his villas in England, he also wants to get rid of Chelsea quickly.I and three other people received an offer on Tuesday to buy Chelsea from Abramovich."
Labour MP Chris Bryant proclaimed in Parliament that Abramovich is “terrified of being sanctioned which is why he is going to sell his home, and another flat as well.”
By all accounts, Chelsea’s owner is severing ties with the United Kingdom in the hope of avoiding sanctions amid Russia’s occupation of Ukraine and the Blues appear set to fall victim as a result.
Thomas Tuchel also not ready to comment on the Chelsea situation
The long-term impacts are unclear even to those within the club, with head-coach Thomas Tuchel protesting the situation is beyond his remit.
“Listen, listen, listen, you have to stop,” Tuchel said in a press conference on Tuesday ahead of his side’s trip to Luton in the FA Cup tonight.
"I am not a politician. You have to stop, honestly. I can only repeat it. And I even feel bad to repeat it because I never experienced war.So even to talk about it I feel bad because I am very privileged. I sit here in peace and I do the best I can, but you have to stop asking me these questions. I have no answers for you."
Abramovich bought Chelsea from then-owner Ken Bates nearly 20 years ago and is viewed as the first of a wave of foreign investors targeting the Premier League.
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Since purchasing the club for £140million, the 55-year-old has invested a sum in the region of £1.5billion overseeing both domestic and European success. In all years of being in charge, it is being said this is the first time he is really considering, selling the club he holds so close to his heart.