Chelsea New Owner: Roman Abramovich’s OFFICIAL STATEMENT – Roman Abramovich has moved to clarify the situation surrounding the takeover of Chelsea football club by releasing a statement. The current owner of the club has denied reports claiming that he has asked for any loan to be repaid to him while also denying that he raised the price late on into negotiations. Follow live Sports updates on Insidesport.IN
Chelsea New Owner: Roman Abramovich clarifies latest TAKEOVER reports, shares an OFFICIAL STATEMENT on the sale of the club – Check out Full Statement
Statement on behalf of Mr Abramovich.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 5, 2022
Chelsea New Owner: Roman Abramovich shares an OFFICIAL STATEMENT
Abramovich has had sanctions imposed on him by the UK Government since March after his alleged relationship with Russian president Vladimir Putin following the conflict with Ukraine.
A statement released on the Chelsea website and attributed to a spokesperson of Abramovich read: “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.
Chelsea New Owner: Roman Abramovich clarifies latest TAKEOVER reports
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 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.
Chelsea New Owner: Roman Abramovich clarifies latest TAKEOVER reports, shares an OFFICIAL STATEMENT on the sale of the club – Check out Full Statement
