Former Chelsea Owner Abramovich Expresses Desire for Proper Farewell

Roman Abramovich, the former Chelsea owner forced to sell the club in 2022 due to UK government sanctions linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, has expressed a desire to return to Stamford Bridge for a final farewell but ruled out any future professional role or ownership in football. Abramovich, who oversaw Chelsea’s most successful era from 2003 until the sale, has emphasized he might support youth initiatives but is done with club ownership. The club was sold to an American-led consortium headed by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital for £2.5 billion, marking a new era with ambitions to win trophies and sustain long-term success. Abramovich has also been involved in peace efforts related to the Ukraine war and disputes the UK government’s accusations against him, maintaining that his actions were intended to help. There remains an ongoing legal dispute over the frozen proceeds from the Chelsea sale, with Abramovich wanting the funds to aid all war victims while the UK government insists they be used for humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the new ownership has experienced mixed results but qualified for the Champions League and won the Conference League recently, with Boehly affirming a commitment to winning silverware and investing in sustained success.