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Tag: Roman Abramovich

  • New Saudi Arabian group set to bid for Chelsea

    New Saudi Arabian group set to bid for Chelsea

    A new Saudi Arabian group are planning to bid for Premier League club, Chelsea.

    Goal says a Saudi private consortium led by Saudi Media registered their interest on Sunday to buy Chelsea through Raine Group, the New York merchant bank that has been hired to find a buyer. They have set a deadline of March 15 for offers to be put on the table.

    But a source close to Blues owner Roman Abramovich expressed scepticism about all the bidders who have publicly revealed their hands to date, including the Swiss/American partnership of Hansjorg Wyss and Todd Boehly.

    Abramovich is understood to regard the buyer’s plans for the future of the club as equally significant as the price in determining whether to sanction a sale, a factor not to be overlooked as other potential bidders emerged yesterday.

  • Roman Abramovich saved my life – Chelsea transfers advisor

    Roman Abramovich saved my life – Chelsea transfers advisor

    Chelsea transfers advisor and Dutch scouting guru Piet de Visser has jumped to the defence of Roman Abramovich.

    The Russian billonaire is in the process of selling Chelsea due to pressure from the British government.

    De Visser told AD: “It’s not about money for Roman, he has money. That is an essential difference. In reality, he is a warm personality. I may get the yellow card from Roman because I talked about him in the press, he would rather not have that. But I stand by what I’ve said. I will gladly accept that card. Just because I want to tell who the real Roman is.

    “Because Roman himself never talks to the press, many see him as a cold oligarch,” continues De Visser. “That hurts me a lot. It is not correct. Hence my need to stand up for him. The truth is, he has a big social heart. That can also be said. The fact that the money from the club sale benefits the victims of war in Ukraine is an unmistakable sign to him.

    “I remember well that I had just had open heart surgery when I was subsequently struck down by esophageal cancer. I was completely through it: I was really a dead bird. That’s when I called Roman to tell him that unfortunately I had to retire as a Chelsea scout. I will never forget what he said to me. ‘Piet’, he said, ‘ you can sign a contract for ten or twenty years’.

    “You don’t believe that, do you? You are on the brink of death and are then told that he wants to extend your contract for another ten or twenty years. That announcement that you apparently mean so much to someone has given me so much strength. Not to mention all those months that I was allowed to recover with him on his boat and in his hotel. I dare say Roman saved my life. Without him I wouldn’t have been here.”

  • I’m not fearful of remaining at Stamford Bridge without Abramovich- Tuchel

    I’m not fearful of remaining at Stamford Bridge without Abramovich- Tuchel

    Chelsea head coach, Thomas Tuchel, has revealed why he is not fearful of remaining at Stamford Bridge without the Russian, Roman Abramovich, as the owner of the club.

     

    Abramovich confirmed on Wednesday that he intends to sell Chelsea after 19 years as the club’s owner- a move designed to put distance between Abramovich and Chelsea, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

     

    Tuchel said he could feel Roman Abramovich’s decision to sell Chelsea coming and isn’t afraid to remain at Stamford Bridge without the Russian as owner.

    It was on Wednesday evening that Abramovich released a statement on Chelsea’s website which confirmed his intention to sell.

     

    We will have a new owner but does that mean the organization is in question or the structure?

    According to him: “I knew a little bit before because I am, of course, in a direct line of communication with Petr (Cech) and Marina (Granovskaia), so I knew about it before.

    “It was more of a process of knowing than this one moment. It was a process of messages, a process of talks. It’s not like we had two weeks of nothing and then suddenly was told ok it will be sold. I could feel it coming. I could feel the possibility.”

    “I don’t know even if this quite makes sense but the club is not selling the club, the owner is selling the club. And he’s selling a well-structured, top-organized organization.

    “Right now, I don’t see why we should be in fear and concern about what is obviously so well-placed, so well organized, and so functional. It is and it’s a pleasure to work here. I can honestly say that this is the highest level that I have experienced [as a coach].

    “So yes, we will have a new owner but does that mean the organization is in question or the structure? I don’t think so is a given. Maybe it is and if it is we need to talk about it again, but why to think about it right now? It makes no sense.”

    Tuchel noted that he has not spoken to Abramovich since the owner’s statement was released on Wednesday.
    “It’s strange, we didn’t see this happening for a very long time. Chelsea was always a Roman Abramovich club from my point of view, and was run by a compassionate and committed owner who took to a sport that we all love, football, so seriously.

    “This is so new and such a big change that I’m not even sure how I feel about it. I’m very happy to come here actually to work, because on a daily basis, once we are in the building there is not a big change, because the owner was not here for lunch and not here for meetings, not here for training so this does actually at the moment look very normal. It gives everybody a good feeling.

    “And to figure out how I actually feel about it – in general I’m not a very scared person. In general, I don’t worry too long, too much. And I try to adapt to the needs of the situation,” Tuchel stated.

  • Chelsea Supporters’ Trust lists 5 expectations from new owner

    Chelsea Supporters’ Trust lists 5 expectations from new owner

    The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust have sent a clear message to the club’s next owner as Roman Abramovich looks to offload the Blues.

    It was announced earlier this week that the Russian is looking to sell up after almost two decades at the helm.

    The Trust’s statement read: “The Chelsea Supporter’ Trust notes media reports that negotiations for the sale of Chelsea Football Club are moving at pace and that a deal may potentially be agreed within days. Securing the club’s future and supporting our supporters in paramount.

    “Prospective owners must engage supporters at the earliest opportunity and take steps to ensure the club is supporter orientated and sustainable.

    “As an immediate gesture of goodwill, negotiations for the purchase of the club must include:

    “1. The outstanding balance of the loan from the Club to Chelsea Pitch Owners should be forgiven, so that Stamford Bridge is secured by and for Chelsea’s supporters.

    “2. The relevant recommendations of the Fan-led Review of Football Governance report by Tracey Crouch are implemented, namely: A. A golden share for fans to protect key items of club heritage. B. Consultation with supporters through the creation of a democratically elected shadow board. C. Continued support for Chelsea FC Woman

    “3. A commitment from prospective owners to meet the CST at the earliest opportunity and to engage in a regular, constructive dialogue on issues of supporter interest, including fair ticketing and stadium development.

    “4. A commitment from prospective owners to continuing the legacy of the Chelsea Foundation’s community work.

    “5. A guarantee that there will be no attempts to exit existing sporting structures without the engagement of key stakeholders, with supporters at the forefront – this includes the European Super League.”

  • Roman Abramovich sets tight deadline to sell Chelsea

    Roman Abramovich sets tight deadline to sell Chelsea

    Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has set a tight deadline for interested parties to submit their offers.

    The Telegraph says Abramovich has set a deadline for potential buyers to lodge their takeover bids after putting his beloved Chelsea up for sale.

    Interested parties have until March 15 to submit their offers, as the Russian billionaire looks to sell the club quickly.

    It’s believed that Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss and American businessman Todd Boehly have teamed up to make an offer, while British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe has now ruled himself out of considering a bid.

    Abramovich sent shockwaves around the world of football on Wednesday after announcing his intention to step away from the club he’s owned since 2003.

    The 55-year-old confirmed that he would waive the £1.5billion worth of debt the club owes to him and also pledged to donate the proceeds of the sale to victims of the war in Ukraine.

  • John Terry criticised for hailing Abramovich on Twitter

    John Terry criticised for hailing Abramovich on Twitter

    Labour MP, Chris Bryant, has urged former Chelsea captain, John Terry to immediately delete his post on Twitter about Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich.

    Bryant branded Terry’s message to Abramovich as ‘appalling’, insisting that the former England international was celebrating the Russian billionaire while Ukraine is being bombed.

    He said this after Terry paid tribute to Abramovich on Twitter on Thursday.

    Abramovich had confirmed on Wednesday that he is selling Chelsea, claiming that the decision ‘is in the best interest of the club.’

    Terry was Chelsea’s captain for the majority of Abramovich’s time at Stamford Bridge and following the 55-year-old’s announcement, the former defender posted a photo of them together with the Premier League trophy along with the caption: ‘The best.’

    In response to Terry’s message, Bryant urged the former footballer to delete the post ‘ASAP’.

    Bryant tweeted: “This is appalling.

    “I think @JohnTerry26 you should take this down ASAP. The people of Ukraine are being bombed, shelled and murdered while you celebrate Abramovich.”

  • Abramovich to sell Chelsea over Ukraine war

    Abramovich to sell Chelsea over Ukraine war

    Following an interest in brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine, Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich, has said he is planning to sell the club and all net proceeds from the sale will be donated to victims of the war in Ukraine.

     

    It was gathered that Abramovich has instructed his team to set up a charitable foundation where all net proceeds from the sale of Chelsea will be donated.

     

    He said: “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.”

     

    Swiss billionaire, Hansjorg Wyss, claimed he has been offered the chance to buy the club.

    Earlier this week, Labour MP Chris Bryant used Parliamentary Privilege to also reveal Abramovich is selling his UK home and another flat, telling the House of Commons the Russian billionaire is “terrified of being sanctioned”.

    He handed “stewardship and care” of Chelsea to the club foundation’s trustees on Saturday, in a move aimed to protect the Stamford Bridge club following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

     

    Abramovich is owed £1.5billion by Chelsea after buying the club in a £140m deal in 2003 but says he will not ask for any of the loans to be repaid.

     

    He noted that the sale of Chelsea “will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process”.

    “This has never been about business nor money for me, but about pure passion for the game and club,” Abramovich said.

     

     

  • Ukraine’s President Zelensky contacts Roman Abramovich

    Ukraine’s President Zelensky contacts Roman Abramovich

    Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been asked by Ukraine to help support their attempts to reach a “peaceful resolution” with Russia.

    The Russian billionaire’s spokesperson said Abramovich was contacted by Ukrainian officials and “has been trying to help ever since”.

    Ukraine has called for a ceasefire before peace talks in Belarus.

    Abramovich announced on Saturday that “stewardship and care” of the club was being given to trustees of Chelsea’s charitable foundation.

    The 55-year-old is one of Russia’s richest people and is believed to be close to Russian President Putin.

    Ukrainian film director and producer Alexander Rodnyansky confirmed the Chelsea owner’s involvement in attempts to reach a peaceful resolution, but added he is unsure of the impact it will have.

    “I can confirm that the Ukrainian side have been trying to find someone in Russia willing to help them in finding a peaceful resolution,” said Rodnyansky.

    “They are connected to Roman Abramovich through the Jewish community and reached out to him for help. Abramovich has been trying to mobilize support for a peaceful resolution ever since.

    “Although Abramovich’s influence is limited, he is the only one who responded and taken it upon himself to try.

    “If this will have an impact or not, I don’t know, but I am in contact with [Ukraine President Volodymyr] Zelensky’s staff myself, and know that they are grateful for his genuine efforts.”

  • EPL: Roman Abramovich hands over control of Chelsea

    EPL: Roman Abramovich hands over control of Chelsea

    Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich says he is “giving trustees of Chelsea’s charitable foundation the stewardship and care” of the club.

    The Russian billionaire remains the Premier Lague club owner.

    The decision also comes a day before Chelsea play Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.

    “I have always taken decisions with the club’s best interest at heart,” Abramovich said in a statement.

    “I remain committed to these values. That is why I am today giving trustees of Chelsea’s charitable Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC.

    “I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the club, players, staff, and fans.”

    His statement did not reference the invasion of Ukraine.

  • Abramovich driving Chelsea to re-sign Lukaku

    Abramovich driving Chelsea to re-sign Lukaku

    Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is driving a move to re-sign Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku.

    Lukaku, who scored 30 goals in all competitions this season to help the Italian club claim their first Scudetto in nine years, is now said to be a huge target for the Blues this summer after growing frustrated with the mis-firing Timo Werner – who joined for £53million last year.

    Eurosport says Abramovich believes Lukaku would take Chelsea to the next level after falling away from the title picture this term and is at the forefront of discussions with Inter.

    While Chelsea are in talks over a possible deal for Lukaku, Manchester City could stand in their way, the report adds – with Lukaku’s camp indicating that Pep Guardiola’s men would be able to offer higher wages.

    Lukaku is ‘loving’ life at Inter but would be willing to depart given the club’s financial difficulties and is keen on a Premier League return.