FILE - Chelsea soccer club owner Roman Abramovich attends the UEFA Women's Champions League final soccer match in Gothenburg, Sweden on Sunday, May 16, 2021. Abramovich, a former Russian provincial governor and Vladimir Putin ally who became a steel and metals magnate, is now a dual Israeli citizen with a net worth estimated at more than $13 billion. He has used his fortune to buy the British soccer club Chelsea and homes in London and New York. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)
CHELSEA chairman Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned and barred from the club’s West London headquarters due to the conflict in Ukraine.
Roman Abramovich appears to be planning a return to Russia as his time at Chelsea comes to an end, with a possible takeover of CSKA Moscow in the works, according to reports.
Abramovich issued a statement two weeks ago indicating his intention to sell the Blues because it was in the ‘best interests of the public.’ It happened after the Russian government decided to invade Ukraine.
A number of potential buyers have reportedly expressed interest in purchasing the west London outfit, though no deal has been announced.
That task was made much more difficult when the UK Government announced that it had sanctioned Abramovich, effectively freezing his assets and preventing him from selling the club for a profit.
Prospective buyers are still interested, and Abramovich may hand over the reins to a new owner within the ‘next two months,’ according to reports.
Despite having no say over the Blues’ future, the billionaire is said to be interested in establishing a new club.
And, according to Tutto Mercato, Abramovich has already been offered the opportunity to remain in football ownership – this time with CSKA Moscow in Russia.
Timur Gurtskaya, an agent, commented on the situation, saying that a move to CSKA would be ‘logical.’
“The most logical choice for him would be to take over CSKA Moscow, a club with which he has always sympathized.” “Gurtskaya stated this on YouTube.
“He also gets along well with the current owner. There aren’t any other clubs, as far as I know.
“What is going on at Chelsea is a disgrace. Abramovich has been the club’s owner for many years.”
Abramovich previously expressed interest in acquiring CSKA, but the deal fell through.
In March 2004, his oil company Sibneft signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with CSKA worth approximately £37 million.
However, UEFA regulations prohibit a single person from owning more than one team in European competition, so he has had no equity stake in CSKA since the sponsorship.
Nonetheless, once Abramovich’s time in west London comes to an end, a deal could be revived.
And, with CSKA just six points off the top of the Russian Premier League table, they may be able to win the title next season if they fail to do so this season.
