Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich says he plans to sell club

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has confirmed he's decided to sell the Premier League club. The Russian oligarch had been under increasing pressure following his country's invasion of Ukraine.

According to a statement on the clubs official website, Abramovich said: "I have always taken decisions with the club's best interest at heart.

"In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the club, the fans, the employees, as well as the club's sponsors and partners.

"The sale of the club will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process. I will not be asking for any loans to be repaid.

"I have instructed my team to set up a charitable foundation where all net proceeds from the sale will be donated. The foundation will be for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine."

No other English club have won more trophies than Chelsea since Abramovich bought the club for £140 million in 2003 winning five Premier League titles, five FA Cups and the Champions League twice.

Last month's Club World Cup triumph in Abu Dhabi was their 19th major piece of silverware which Abramovich attended in the UAE capital. 

During his ownership he has appointed 13 different managers, spending over £2 billion in the transfer market and attracting some of the biggest names in football. 

In 2004, Chelsea's women's team became affiliated to Chelsea FC and experienced huge success under Abramovich's ownership, winning the Women's Super League four times, the Women's FA Cup, three times and reaching the Champions League final last season.

Abramovich made the announcement an hour before their game against Championship side Luton Town in the FA Cup. Chelsea went on to win the match 3-2. 

Statement from Roman Abramovich.

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 2, 2022