It’s official: the British government has approved the takeover of Chelsea FC by a consortium. The money does not benefit ex-owner Abramovich – but Ukraine and the victims of the war.
The British government has approved the takeover of English Premier League club FC Chelsea by a consortium led by US businessman Todd Boehly. The price for the London club around coach Thomas Tuchel and the DFB internationals Timo Werner and Kai Havertz is 4.25 billion pounds (almost five billion euros).
The government emphasized that it was ensured that the money would not benefit the previous owner, Roman Abramovich. Rather, the aim is to support war victims in Ukraine. The statement said: “We will now begin the process to ensure that the proceeds of the sale are used for humanitarian causes in Ukraine to support victims of the war.”
Abramovich’s assets were frozen
The Russian oligarch had been sanctioned for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The Premier League had previously approved the deal.
“Last night the UK Government reached a position where we can issue a license allowing the sale of Chelsea Football Club,” the government statement said. “Following the sanctioning of Roman Abramovich, the government has worked hard to ensure that Chelsea Football Club can continue to play football. However, we have always understood that the long-term future of the club can only be secured under new ownership.”