Roman Abramovich, the former owner of Chelsea Football Club, has confirmed he has no plans to return to football ownership or take on any professional role in the sport.
This marks his first public statement on the matter since selling Chelsea to the Todd Boehly–Clearlake Capital consortium in May 2022. The £2.5 billion deal followed UK government sanctions and resulted in the proceeds being held in a frozen account earmarked for victims of the war in Ukraine.
Abramovich, 58, who acquired Chelsea in 2003 for £140 million, shared his latest views in Sanctioned: The Inside Story of the Sale of Chelsea FC, a book by journalist Nick Purewal, as reported by the Daily Mail.
“I don’t have any interest in any role in a football club, certainly not a professional role,” Abramovich said.
“There might be something where I could help with academies and youngsters giving greater opportunities to people from difficult backgrounds if there were an initiative that could make a difference. But as for ownership or a professional role at a club, I am done with that in this lifetime.”
He also expressed hope of one day returning to Stamford Bridge as a guest, simply to say goodbye to the fans.
“Perhaps one day there would be a situation where I could attend a match and say a proper goodbye, but nothing more than that,” he added.
Dispute Over Frozen Funds
The fate of the £2.5 billion from the Chelsea sale remains unresolved. The UK government has reiterated its intent to ensure the money supports humanitarian aid in Ukraine, while Abramovich reportedly advocates for the funds to help victims on both sides of the conflict, including those in Russia.
Finance Minister Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy issued a joint statement.
“The government is determined to see the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine.
We are deeply frustrated that it has not been possible to reach an agreement with Mr. Abramovich so far. While the door for negotiations remains open, we are prepared to pursue this through the courts if necessary.”
Responding to criticism, Abramovich said “An old Russian saying goes, ‘The dogs bark but the caravan keeps moving.’ Whatever I do, people will always accuse me of some kind of agenda. In the end, I have done what I have done simply to try to help.”
Abramovich’s Chelsea Legacy
Abramovich’s 19-year ownership saw Chelsea rise to the pinnacle of European football. During his tenure, the club won 21 major trophies, including 2 UEFA Champions League titles, 2 UEFA Europa League titles, 5 Premier League titles, 5 FA Cups, 3 League Cups and 1 FIFA Club World Cup.
His financial investment and ambition transformed Chelsea into one of the world’s top football clubs, leaving a legacy that continues to shape its identity today.
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