The oligarch is reportedly asking for £4bn for Chelsea.
(Photo: Corbis Sport/Getty Images)
London The Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich apparently wants to sell his property in England – including the football club Chelsea. A US bank is said to be making inquiries on his behalf with potential buyers. The intention to sell the Premier League club was confirmed by Abramovich in a club announcement on Wednesday evening.
According to the information, the possible net proceeds are to be transferred to a foundation and benefit victims of the war in Ukraine. In addition, the 55-year-old writes off credit lines totaling £1.5 billion that he made available to Chelsea FC as the owner.
US-based Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss previously told the Blick newspaper that he and three other people had received an invitation to buy Chelsea on Tuesday. “Abramovitch is one of Putin’s closest advisers and friends,” Wyss said. “Like all the other oligarchs, he’s in a panic.” He wants to get rid of all his villas and the club quickly.
Labor MP and harsh Abramovich critic Chris Bryant also said in the British Parliament on Tuesday that the oligarch was in the process of selling his property. “I think he’s scared of being sanctioned. That’s why he’s selling his house tomorrow – and then another apartment too,” he said.
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Bryant called on the government to finally put the Russian on the sanctions list and freeze his assets. “I’m worried we’re going to take too long.”
In London it has been surprising for days that Abramovich has so far been spared sanctions. He is considered a supporter of Putin and has not yet condemned the war. The current foundation in favor of war victims at least seems to indicate that Abramovich could give in on this point. The government had announced that it would impose sanctions on more than 100 Russian individuals and companies for invading Ukraine. But only a few oligarchs are on the British list.
After the departure of Roman Abramovich, the club is looking for a new owner.
(Photo: imago images/Paul Marriott)
Abramovich had made his fortune in oil and aluminum after the collapse of the Soviet Union. At $12.1 billion, the 55-year-old is one of the richest men in Russia. In 2003 he bought Chelsea FC.
He also owns £200million of London property. These include a stately mansion on Kensington Palace Gardens, a private street lined with embassies and billionaire homes, and a three-story penthouse in a high-rise on the Thames. However, Abramovich has hardly been in London in the past three years.
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Wyss told Blick that he could well imagine joining Chelsea with partners. But first he wants to wait another four to five days. “Abramovich is currently asking far too much. You know, Chelsea owe him £2 billion. But Chelsea has no money. Means: Those who buy Chelsea should compensate Abramovich.” This statement has become obsolete with Abramovich’s declaration to write off the loans.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Abramovich is asking four billion pounds, the equivalent of around 4.8 billion euros, for the reigning Champions League winner. In the past he had rejected offers of around £2 billion as too low. Now, however, he is under acute selling pressure and will probably have to lower his expectations significantly.
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