Roman Abramovich is open to selling the Chelsea Football Club after 19 years of ownership, reports from the UK have revealed. The 55-year-old Russian business mogul is said to be bracing himself for bids from three potential buyers who are expected to make a move in the coming days.
The position of Abramovich has come under scrutiny following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In the past few days, sanctions have been placed on a number of Russian businesses across Europe and the former has not been an exception. Prior to Chelsea's Carabao Cup final defeat to Liverpool, the Blues' owner announced that he was stepping back from control of the club, and proposed a handing over to a six-member trustee of the club's charitable foundation.
The decision is yet to be finalized and as per the Telegraph, at least two of the trustees are not willing to be on board with the new arrangement. Although Chelsea have previously maintained that the club is not up for sale, the recent development is causing a change in stance and there is a growing feeling that Abramovich could be forced to sell soon. In the past, he had turned down offers worth £2.2 billion, with the club's debt to him standing at £1.51bn - a figure which would have certainly been covered had the bid been accepted.
Latest claims by the Telegraph have suggested that offers could be made to the Premier League club's Russian owner this week to force his hand to finally sell. The speculations are further fueled by claims that he is preparing to sell his mansion in Kensington Palace Gardens. However, the Telegraph further added that all this is subject to change should he not have his assets frozen and seized.
