The Abramovich era at Stamford Bridge could be coming to an abrupt end
Roman Abramovich’s future as Chelsea owner appears to be growing increasingly uncertain with reports that Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss has been offered the opportunity to buy the club.
While Abramovich is said to be keen to retain the Premier League club, his past connections to Vladimir Putin have seen calls for the UK government to seize or freeze his assets in response to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Though the 55-year-old has yet to be hit with any sanctions, remaining as owner would prove close to impossible should any such measures be imposed upon him.
Reports on Tuesday claimed as many as three interested parties were monitoring the situation at Stamford Bridge with a view to making offers before the close of the week. There is a growing belief that, for the first time since 2003, an offer for the club will be seriously considered.
Wyss has added to the sense that the Abramovich era could be drawing to an abrupt end for Chelsea. Speaking to Swiss newspaper Blick, the 86-year-old claimed that he was one of four people who had been offered the chance to buy the club on Tuesday.
“Abramovich is trying to sell all his villas in England, he also wants to get rid of Chelsea quickly,” he said.
“I and three other people received an offer on Tuesday to buy Chelsea from Abramovich.
“I have to wait four to five days now. Abramovich is currently asking far too much.
“You know, Chelsea owe him £2 billion. But Chelsea has no money.
“As of today, we don’t know the exact selling price.”
The development comes days after the Russian-Israeli billionaire released a statement through Chelsea which confirmed he had handed over the stewardship and care of the club to the trustees of its charitable foundation. Although, in reality, this changed very little, some saw it as a way of protecting himself amid calls for his assets to be frozen or seized.
