Roman Abramovich to Donate Funds from Chelsea Sale to Ukraine War Victims in Kind Gesture

Roman Abramovich to Donate Funds from Chelsea Sale to Ukraine War Victims in Kind Gesture

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:57 PM
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  • Roman Abramovich resolved to sell Chelsea for fears of being sanctioned in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict
  • The UK government is understood to be under immense pressure to freeze assets of businesspeople believed to have close ties with Vladimir Putin
  • According to Abramovich, the decision to sell Chelsea "is in the best interest of the club, the fans, employees and partners"

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has announced he will donate the "net proceeds" from the sale of the club to a charitable foundation supporting victims of Ukraine's war.

The Russian billionaire is looking to sell the Stamford Bridge-based club over fears he could be sanctioned by the UK government over that ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. Photo: Getty Images.
Roman Abramovich resolved to sell Chelsea for fears of being sanctioned in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Photo: Getty Images.
Source: Getty Images

Abramovich's drastic decision to sell the club came just days after he handed over his ‘stewardship and care’ to trustees of Chelsea’s charitable Foundation.

According to Metro UK, the UK Government is under pressure to freeze Abramovich’s assets, owing to his alleged close ties with Russian Vladimir Putin.

Roman Abramovich to donate Chelsea proceeds to Ukraine victims

And in what has been viewed as a cautionary measure, Abramovich has decided to offload Chelsea to a new owner after close to 20 years at the helm.

In a statement announcing the decision, Abramovich said he took the move in the interest of the club, adding that part of the proceeds from the sale will be channelled to Ukraine's war victims.

"Moreover, I have instructed my team to set up a charitable foundation where all net proceeds from the sale will be donated. The foundation will be for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine," he said.

Chelsea qualify for FA Cup quarters

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Luton vs Chelsea FA Cup fifth-round clash ended in a 3-2 thrilling win for the Blues at Kenilworth Road.

The Hatters nearly caused an upset for the Blues before Tuchel's men found an extra gear during the final quarter of the game to make it to the last eight.

The clash saw Saul Niguez score his first goal for Chelsea, with Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku completing the turnaround.

Chelsea's victory away from home earned them a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

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