Chelsea FC Q&A: Who could buy Roman Abramovich’s club and what happens next?
Roman Abramovich’s decision to sell Chelsea will have a lasting impact for the Blues.
Russian-Israeli billionaire Abramovich has owned Chelsea since 2003 but announced on Wednesday March 2 that he would sell the Premier League club.
Russia’s continued invasion of Ukraine has forced Abramovich’s hand, amid significant geopolitical upheaval.
Here we take a look at the state of play at Stamford Bridge.
How did the news come?
Thomas Tuchel, pictured, responds to news of Roman Abramovich‘s decision to sell Chelsea (Nick Potts/PA)
(PA wire)
Chelsea staff, coaches and players were taken slightly by surprise, especially given the timing. The Blues were at Kenilworth Road going through late preparations for the FA Cup fifth round tie against Luton, which Chelsea won 3-2.
What happens now?
Stamford Bridge, pictured, will soon welcome a new owner (John Walton/PA)
(PA wire)
US investment bank The Raine Group has been contracted to handle the sale, and potential bidders are busy compiling their bids.
What was the interest?
Roman Abramovich, pictured, has owned Chelsea since 2003 (Adam Davy/PA)
(PA wire)
Chelsea have reportedly received several serious offers already, with the Blues hierarchy expecting more offers to come. Chelsea’s status as Champions League holders and one of the hottest clubs in the world means there is no shortage of suitors.
So what is the asking price?
Big-name signings like Romelu Lukaku, pictured, have put Chelsea among the world’s footballing elite (Nick Potts/PA)
(PA wire)
Abramovich is believed to be confident of reaching around £3billion, while several interested parties are clearly exploring lower offers. The current Chelsea owner is determined that the sale will follow the standard procedure and timetable.
Who is in the frame to buy the club?
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, pictured, is among those linked with a decision to buy Chelsea (Andrew Matthews/PA)
(PA Archive)
Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss and American tycoon Todd Boehly were the first to make public their intentions on a bid for the Blues, with a consortium bid currently being put together. Turkish businessman Muhsin Bayrak also claimed an offer. A series of other names have also been linked, although no one else has made their candidacy public. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s spokesman rejected an offer last week, but the Ineos boss has already shown interest in the Blues. Another British billionaire, Nick Candy, has been linked with a bid, while several American sports investors are also interested.
Will Chelsea remain a major world power after the sale?
Roman Abramovich, right, with women’s team manager Emma Hayes, left, in Jerusalem. The Chelsea owner’s campaigns against racism and anti-Semitism have gained prominence in recent years (Shahar Azran/Chelsea Football Club)
(PA Media)
Abramovich is believed to be determined to transfer Chelsea to owners matching his ambitions for the Stamford Bridge club. The 55-year-old has pledged to cancel the £1.5billion in loans and hopes to be able to donate around £2billion to a newly created charity to help war victims in Ukraine, from all sides. of the conflict. Only time will tell however on Chelsea’s continued strength: prospective new owners must continue to invest heavily and treat Chelsea as an elite sporting entity in all aspects to preserve the status quo.