Roman Abramovich 'terrified' as Chelsea sale speculation grows
Roman Abramovich, the billionaire Russian owner of Premier League giants Chelsea, has reportedly been hearing offers to sell the team as talk of sanctions against Russian nationals continues.
Despite seeking to distance himself from the day to day operations of the club by handing 'stewardship' of Chelsea to the club's charitable foundation, but the British government ongoing talk of sanctions against Russian money in the nation have caused a major stir.
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According to The Telegraph, Abramovich is set to consider three different offers to purchase the team this week, with the Russian oligarch potentially facing pressure to sell quickly before his assets are potentially seized.
Sanctions against wealthy Russian citizens living overseas have been raised as a consequence for the invasion of Ukraine led by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Telegraph also said there had been reports Abramovich was making arrangements to sell his mansion in Kensington Palace Gardens.
British MP Chris Bryant has been leading the charge to have sanctions brought against Abramovich, kicking off proceeding by reading a leaked document from England's Home Office which dated back to 2019.
In the document, Abramovich had been identified as having ties to the Russian government, as well as being linked to 'corrupt activity and practices'.
In further comments on Wednesday, Bryant said the Russian billionaire was 'terrified' of the prospect of sanctions.
“Roman Abramovich, well I think he’s terrified of being sanctioned, which is why he’s already going to sell his home tomorrow, and sell another flat as well," Bryant said.
“My anxiety is that we’re taking too long about these things.”
Roman Abramovich contacted to aid anti-war effort
The invasion of Ukraine has sparked a global outcry, with nations around the world putting in place serious economic sanctions against Russia.
The Russian rouble collapsed by more than 40% on Monday as those sanctions came into effect, while the sporting world has also looked to distance itself from Russia.
Various events, like the Formula One Russian GP and the Champion's League final have either been cancelled or relocated outside of Russia, while Russian athletes and teams have also faced the prospect of being banned from competition for the duration of the invasion.
Believed to be closely linked to Putin, the 55-year-old Abramovich is one of Russia's richest men.
He was highly criticised for omitting any reference to the invasion when he announced the transfer of stewardship, however a spokesperson for Abramovich has since said he had been contacted by Ukrainian officials and was 'trying to help'.
"I can confirm Roman Abramovich was contacted by the Ukrainian side for support in achieving a peaceful resolution, and that he has been trying to help ever since," a spokeswoman for Abramovich said.
"Considering what is at stake, we would ask for understanding as to why we have not commented on either the situation as such or his involvement."
This was confirmed to the BBC by Ukrainian film producer Alexander Rodnyansky, who said it was true that Abramovich had been contacted by was unsure what real impact his words might have on the Russian government.
"I can confirm that the Ukrainian side have been trying to find someone in Russia willing to help them in finding a peaceful resolution," Rodnyansky said.
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