Today In History: Abramovich Puts Chelsea Up For Sale
Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich put Chelsea up for sale on March 2, 2022 amid growing pressure from some UK politicians.
Abramovich had been accused of having links to Russia president Vladimir Putin, who had ordered an invasion of Ukraine.
Abramovich took over Chelsea in the summer of 2003 and injected over £1bn into the club, winning every major club honour available in that time including five Premier League titles, two UEFA Champions Leagues and two Europa Leagues.
In a statement on Chelsea’s official website, Abramovich said: “I would like to address the speculation in media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC. 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.”
"I hope that I will be able to visit Stamford Bridge one last time to say goodbye to all of you in person. It has been a privilege of a lifetime to be part of Chelsea FC and I am proud of all our joint achievements. Chelsea Football Club and its supporters will always be in my heart.”
Later that summer, American billionaire Todd Boehly and his Clearlake Capital consortium completed a £4.25b purchase of Chelsea.
