It is nothing less than the end of an era: On Wednesday evening (March 2nd, 2022) Roman Abramovich announced that he wanted to sell Chelsea after almost 20 years. With the financial commitment of the Russian oligarch, Chelsea had risen from a relegation candidate to one of the most successful clubs in the world and most recently won the premier class and the Club World Cup for the second time under coach Thomas Tuchel.
Abramovich has been the focus of attention in Britain for weeks because of his alleged closeness to Russian President Vladimir Putin. MPs in the House of Commons repeatedly called for him to be put on the sanctions list. Among other things, his assets could be frozen in Great Britain – including luxury real estate and Chelsea FC.
Abramovich acts “in the best interests of the club”
This background is also interesting with regard to Abramovich’s sales plans. According to his written message published by Chelsea FC, he is waiving the repayment of all loans – they are said to total £1.5 billion. The sales value is said to be around two billion pounds. The net proceeds from the sale, the exact amount of which is unclear, will go to a charity that is yet to be established.
“The organization will serve the well-being of all victims of the war in Ukraine”, writes Abramovich in his message. It is noteworthy that on the one hand he addresses “all the victims” of the war, not just the Ukrainians, but also that he uses the word “war” – which is currently prohibited by the Russian media. However, the 55-year-old continues to avoid making a clear statement against the war of aggression.
Abramovich as a mediator in the Ukraine war?
The British leader of the opposition Keir Starmer of the labourAccording to the party, an Interior Ministry document shows that after the war began, the oligarch was targeted by the authorities for his links to Putin and allegations of corruption. The first allegation is not new: Abramovich was associated with the Kremlin during his engagement at Chelsea.
Most recently, his spokeswoman claimed that the 55-year-old had been contacted by the Ukrainian side to act as a mediator. Abramovich is trying to help – but with a view to what is at stake, no further details can be given, it said.
Total assets of $13 billion
Abramovich announced last week that he would hand over the management of the club to the club’s charity foundation. However, it still has to be clarified whether this is legal, since Abramovich is still the sole owner.
the “Bloomberg Billionaires Index” estimates his net worth at $13 billion. Among other things, he became rich by buying cheap oil companies in the collapsing Soviet Union in the 1990s – and later selling them back to the state for a huge profit.
Giving up Chelsea FC is in the current situation, “both in the best interest of the club, the fans, the staff, as well as the sponsors and partners”. He now hopes that he will die one last time Stamford Bridge visit and say goodbye.
Wyss wants to take over – but not alone
Even before Abramovich’s final announcement of his withdrawal, a Swiss billionaire had expressed an interest in the association. “I and three other people received an offer on Tuesday to buy Chelsea from Abramovich,” said Hansjörg Wyss of the Swiss newspaper “Blick”. The newspaper wrote on Wednesday that it is not yet certain whether he will buy it.
“Abramovich is currently asking far too much,” quotes the newspaper Wyss. “If I buy Chelsea, then with a consortium consisting of six to seven investors.”
Wyss, 86, is one of the richest men in the world. The US Magazine forbes currently estimates his net worth at $5.1 billion. He has lived in the USA for decades. There he managed a company for medical technology, which he sold to the US company in 2012 for a billion-dollar profit Johnson&Johnson sold. It promotes and finances numerous educational institutions and environmental protection projects.