“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,” he said.

Russian businessman Roman Abramovich announced that he will sell the Chelsea Football Club, a move that follows outrage over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart,” Abramovich said in a statement. “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,” he added.

Abramovitch, 55, said he has instructed his team ‘’to set up a charitable foundation where all net proceeds from the sale will be donated. The foundation will be for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine. This includes providing critical funds towards the urgent and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting the long-term work of recovery.’’

According to press reports in the U.K., Abramovich was asked by Ukraine to help mediate because of his background in Russia, where he made a fortune in the period of post-communist privatisation.
Word of Abramovich’s involvement in talks on the conflict first came from the Jewish News, which said Kyiv had reached out through Jewish contacts to seek his help.

“I can confirm Roman Abramovich was contacted by the Ukrainian side for support in achieving a peaceful resolution, and that he has been trying to help ever since,” a spokeswoman for Abramovich said.