On February 27th, Chelsea released a statement on their official website that Roman Abramovich had given “trustees of Chelsea’s charitable Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC”.
The billionaire, who owns the west London club, is under threat of facing sanctions over Russia’s decision to invade Ukraine.
On Tuesday, reports in the English press explained the Russian is open to selling the Blues for the first time since taking over the club in 2003.
Switzerland billionaire Hansjörg Wyss has now come forward to express his desire to buy the Premier League side from Abramovich. He gave an interview with Blick, where he backed the US and their Western NATO partners decision to hit Russia with sanctions.
Wyss was pressed to give his views on Abramovich’s decision to give the ‘stewardship and care’ of Chelsea to board of trustees. Responding to that, he said: “Abramovich is one of Putin’s closest advisers and friends. Like all other oligarchs, he is also in a panic.
“Abramovich is trying to sell all his houses in England. He also wants to get rid of Chelsea quickly. Myself and three other people received an offer on Tuesday to buy Chelsea from Abramovich.”
The 86-year-old was then quizzed whether he will buy the FIFA Club World Cup winners.
“I have to wait four to five days now. Abramovich is currently asking far too much. You know, Chelsea owe him £2bn. But Chelsea have no money. Means: Those who buy Chelsea should compensate Abramovich,” he explained.
“As of today, we don’t know the exact selling price. I can well imagine starting at Chelsea with partners. But I have to examine the general conditions first. But what I can already say: I’m definitely not doing something like this alone. If I buy Chelsea, then it’s with a consortium consisting of six to seven investors.”
