Abramovich offering Chelsea to billionaires, says Swiss businessman worth £3.8bn
Roman Abramovich has offered to sell Chelsea to four different parties this week, according to Swiss businessman Hansjorg Wyss.
Abramovich’s ownership of Chelsea has come under scrutiny over the past week following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Russian billionaire announced on Saturday that he hadhanded over “stewardship” of the clubto the trustees of Chelsea’s charitable foundation.
It appeared to be an effort to distance himself from the club he has owned since 2003, but has no meaning legally.
The Telegraphreported on Tuesday thatAbramovich will ‘receive bids’ for a saleof the Blues this week, with the UK intent on clamping down on Russian money in efforts to sanction President Vladimir Putin.
Wyss is a Swiss-born businessman who has raked in a £3.84billion ($5.1bn) fortune, according toForbes, after founding medical device manufacturer Synthes USA.
"Abramovich is one of Putin's closest advisers and friends," the 86-year-old told Swiss newspaperBlick.
"Like all other oligarchs, he is also in a panic. Abramovich is trying to sell all his villas in England.
“He also wants to get rid of Chelsea quickly. I and three other people received an offer on Tuesday to buy Chelsea from Abramovich.
"I have to wait four to five days now. Abramovich is currently asking far too much.
“You know, Chelsea owe him £2billion. But Chelsea has no money. Means: Those who buy Chelsea should compensate Abramovich.”
He added: "As of today, we don't know the exact selling price. I can well imagine starting at Chelsea with partners.
“But I have to examine the general conditions first. But what I can already say: I'm definitely not doing something like this alone.
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“If I buy Chelsea, then with a consortium consisting of six to seven investors."
Abramovich has not yet been hit with any sanctions from the UK government following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last week.
However, there has been increased scrutiny on his position afterLabour MP Chris Bryant called for him to be banned from owning the club.
Apart from Saturday’s statement about handing over “stewardship” of Chelsea over, nobody from the club has been put forward to answer questions around Abramovich’s situation.
That led manager Thomas Tuchel toreact Angrily on Tuesdaywhen he was bombarded with questions from journalists ahead of Wednesday’s FA Cup tie against Luton Town.
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