Roman Abramovich has ended his silence regarding the agony of being compelled to sell. Chelsea due to the continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Three years after the wealthy Russian had to sever connections with the Premier League The British government is still threatening to take legal action through the courts. make sure the funds got to the victims regarding the dispute in Ukraine.
Abramovich faced sanctions following Russia’s invasion in 2022 and subsequently sold his two-time Champions League-winning club Chelsea FC. Champions League the winner, Chelsea, to a group led by American investors Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital for £2.5 billion in May of that same year.
In his latest book titled 'Sanctioned: The Inside Story of the Sale of Chelsea FC,' the 58-year-old, who financed and led almost two decades of unmatched triumphs at Stamford Bridge, discusses the agony of essentially being removed from his role.
When questioned about Chelsea and the future, Abramovich stated: “Maybe someday there will be an occasion when I can go to a game and bid farewell properly, but that’s all.”
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'I am not interested in taking up any position within a football club, especially not a professional one.'
'There could potentially be some role for me involving academies and young individuals, offering more chances to those hailing from challenging circumstances, provided there was an initiative capable of making a significant impact.'
'However, regarding owning or having a professional position at a club, I have closed that chapter for good.'
Abramovich stated prior to the sale that the net proceeds would be directed to a charitable foundation aimed at aiding "all victims of the war in Ukraine."
However, the funds stayed locked in a bank account, and the British government stated that they were yet to be transferred to those who needed them.
An early-month joint statement issued by Treasury head Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy affirmed that the administration was prepared to pursue legal measures.
'The government is committed to ensuring that the revenue from the sale of Chelsea Football Club goes toward humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, in response to Russia’s unlawful all-out invasion. It is disappointing that an agreement on this matter with Mr. Abramovich has not yet been achieved,' they stated.
Although the avenue for discussions will stay accessible, we are completely ready to take this matter to court if necessary, ensuring that those afflicted in Ukraine receive the benefits from these assets without delay.
When the British government imposed sanctions, Abramovich came under fire for being among 'oligarchs and kleptocrats' closely tied to Russian President Vladimir Putin and implicated in his aggressive actions, according to former Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.
Nevertheless, the proceeds from the sale remain owned by Abramovich despite being frozen. These funds cannot be utilized or transferred unless an authorization is granted by the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation.
In his upcoming book, Abramovich stated that he intends not to let the allegations against him divert his attention.
“There’s an ancient Russian proverb that says, 'The dogs bark but the caravan moves on,' and this aptly describes our situation,” he added to the book’s author, Nick Purewal.
‘Whatever I do, people will always accuse me of some kind of agenda. In the end, I have done what I have done simply to try to help.’
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