Russian oligarch to sell Chelsea F.C?

Chelsea, Mar 2: Roman Abramovich rarely speaks in public, and so when the Chelsea owner released a statement on the club's website this past Saturday, it felt like a significant moment.

 

 

 

"During my nearly 20-year ownership of Chelsea FC, I have always viewed my role as a custodian of the club, whose job it is ensuring that we are as successful as we can be today, as well as building for the future, while also playing a positive role in our communities," it began.

 

 

 

"I have always taken decisions with the club's best interest at heart. 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." No English club has won more trophies than Chelsea since Abramovich bought Chelsea for £140 million in 2003. Last month's Club World Cup triumph was their 19th major piece of silverware in addition to two Community Shields, becoming only the fifth European team to win every possible competition available to them in their respective country.

 

 

Abramovich has funded Chelsea's transformation into serial winners while maintaining a low public profile. Chelsea is more of an enjoyable pastime for Abramovich in the context of all that's on his plate right now -- and a potentially disposable asset if his involvement becomes problematic for both, as some critics have claimed in recent days.