Russian issued Roman Abramovichclub head ChelseaAn official statement to respond to some allegations regarding the sale of Chelsea Football Club.
Abramovich was subjected to sanctions by the government of the United Kingdom and the European Union, as the British government froze, last March, the assets of the owner of Chelsea, claiming his proximity to the circle of President Vladimir Putin, and the London club was put up for sale.
Abramovich’s statement was as follows:
“Firstly, Mr. Abramovich’s intentions have not changed with regard to the objective of proceeds from the sale of Chelsea to the charity.
Since the initial announcement, Mr. Abramovich’s team has identified senior representatives from United Nations bodies and large global charitable organizations that have been tasked with forming a basis and developing a plan for their activities. The lead independent expert held talks with government representatives presenting the structure and initial plans.
Mr. Abramovich was not involved in this work and it was independently managed by experts who have years of experience working in humanitarian organizations.
Secondly, Mr. Abramovich has not requested any loan to repay him – such suggestions are completely wrong – as are suggestions that Mr. Abramovich has increased the club’s rate at the last minute. As part of Mr. Abramovich’s goal of finding a good head of Chelsea FC, he encouraged every bidder throughout the process to commit to investing in the club – including in the academy, women’s team, and the necessary redevelopment of the stadium as well as maintaining the working Chelsea Foundation.
Following the penalties and other restrictions imposed on Mr. Abramovich by the UK government since it was announced that the club would be sold, the loan has also become subject to EU sanctions, requiring additional approvals. This means that the funds will be frozen and subject to a legal procedure governed by the authorities. This money is still earmarked for the foundation. The government is aware of these limitations as well as the legal implications.
To be clear, Mr. Abramovich does not have access to or control over these funds and will not have any access or control over these funds after the sale. Despite changing circumstances since his initial announcement – he remains committed to finding a good president for Chelsea and making sure the proceeds go to good causes.
– A spokesman for Mr. Abramovich »