Current owner Roman Abramovich has been forced to sell the club following the war situation in Russia and Ukraine.
With Chelsea’s billionaire Russian owner Roman Abramovich being confirmed as one of the individuals on whom sanctions are being imposed as a result of Russia’s attempted invasion of Ukraine, it appears as if the Chelsea owner has been run into a corner, as he was recently banned from entering the United Kingdom. Abramovich, who has been in ownership of the club since 2003, has now been forced into a position where he is open to selling the club. Abramovich and Chelsea have both released a statement confirming that the club is open for sale, and that offers are currently being entertained.
Chelsea are currently defending European champions, after winning the UEFA Champions League in 2021, beating Manchester City 1-0 in the final. They most recently also lost the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool in a nail-biting penalty shootout.
“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.”
Abramovich said via a statement released on Chelsea Football Club’s official website.
Meanwhile, it has emerged that Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi is one of the frontrunners in the race to buy the London-based club. Reports from credible sources have suggested that Afridi has expressed a firm interest in taking over the club from the disgraced Abramovich, and has also reportedly opened negotiations with the ownership of the club.
“Afridi’s team held a meeting this afternoon (Wednesday) with a sports and legal agency in the UK. There’s a bunch of investors who are interested in Chelsea Football Club. They believe it’s the right time and opportunity to invest in football. And someone from Asia should come and invest. They are in negotiation with them right now”.
Amidst the tense political situation in the Russia-Ukraine region, Abramovich’s name emerged as being a close confidante of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and as a result of the UK’s pro-Ukraine stance, the billionaire is being forced to relinquish ownership of the club.
Abramovich has been the owner of Chelsea for the better part of 19 years and the club has won five Premier Leagues, five FA Cup titles, and two UEFA Champions League titles. On the other hand, Afridi, apart from owning the Peshawar Zalmi franchise in the PSL, is also the CEO of Haier Pakistan, CEO of JoChaho, and owner of MG JW Automobile Pakistan.
