London: Russian billionaire Roman Abromovic has sold out English Premier League football club Chelsea. He said the proceeds from the sale of the club would go to the victims of the Russian occupation of Ukraine. The move follows Abramovich’s announcement that he would hand over control of Chelsea to the Charitable Foundation’s trustees following Russia’s occupation of Ukraine.
Abromovic said the decision was based on the current situation and would be in the interest of the club, fans and sponsors. Abromovic added in a statement that he has always made decisions in the best interests of the club.
The British government has not yet taken any sanctions against Abramovich, who is known to be close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. However he acknowledged that their numbers were not enough to defeat the club’s move. Swiss billionaire Hans Jorge Weiss and American investor Todd Bohley have reportedly joined forces for Chelsea.
Abromovic acquired Chelsea in 2003. Chelsea have won 19 major titles during this period, including two Champions League titles and five Premier League titles. Abramovich has fired about a dozen coaches.