The owner of Chelsea Football Club, Roman Abramovich has released a statement as it concerns the sale of the club.
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A spokesman for Abramovich released a statement on the official website of Chelsea on Thursday, May 5th, 2022. According to the statement released, the Russian Billionaire has denied the news making the media that he is asking that the loan he borrowed Chelsea FC should be repaid.
The statement on the website read as follows; 'Following speculation in media in relation to the sale of Chelsea FC, we would like to clarify the following points'
Firstly, Mr Abramovich’s intentions in relation to gifting the proceeds from the Chelsea sale to charity have not changed. Since the initial announcement, Mr Abramovich’s team has identified senior representatives from UN bodies and large global charitable organizations who have been tasked with forming a Foundation and setting out a plan for its activities. The lead independent expert has had conversations with Government representatives presenting the structure and initial plans. Mr Abramovich has not been involved in this work and it has been managed independently by experts with years of experience working in humanitarian organizations.
The statement on the website also goes on to deny the news that Abramovich is asking that the loan of £1.65 billion should be repaid.
Secondly, Mr Abramovich has not asked for any loan to be repaid to him – such suggestions are entirely false – as are suggestions that Mr Abramovich increased the price of the Club last minute. As part of Mr Abramovich’s objective to find a good custodian for Chelsea FC, he has however encouraged each bidder throughout this process to commit to investing in the Club – including in the Academy, Women’s team, necessary redevelopment of the stadium as well as maintaining the work of Chelsea Foundation. Following sanctions and other restrictions imposed on Mr Abramovich by the UK since announcing that the Club would be sold, the loan has also become subject to EU sanctions, requiring additional approvals. That means that the funds will be frozen and subject to a legal procedure governed by authorities. These funds are still earmarked for the Foundation. The Government are aware of these restrictions as well as the legal implications. To be clear, Mr Abramovich has no access or control of these funds and will not have any access or control of these funds following the sale. Despite the changing circumstances since his initial announcement – he remains committed to finding a good custodian for Chelsea FC and making sure the proceeds go to good causes
There have been a lot of speed bumps as it concerns the sale of Chelsea but this statement released by Abramovich might ease the tension among Chelsea fans as the May 31st, 2022 deadline draws closer.
