Russian tycoon Abramovich ‘done' with professional football
Russian businessman Roman Abramovich has said he no longer intends to be involved in professional football or own any club again, according to a new book excerpt cited by the Daily Mail.
Abramovich was forced to sell the football club Chelsea to a US-led consortium shortly after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict. The UK government imposed sanctions on him in March 2022 over his alleged Kremlin ties. The tycoon has denied the allegations and acted as a mediator between Moscow and Kiev on several occasions.
In an interview with Nick Purewal, the author of a book titled 'Sanctioned: The Inside Story of the Sale of Chelsea FC', Abramovich confirmed he has 'no interest in any role in a football club, certainly not a professional role.'
'As for ownership or a professional role at a club, I am done with that in this lifetime,' he was cited as saying.
He added that he still wishes to attend a Chelsea match in the future 'to say a proper goodbye,' but reiterated he has no plans for further involvement in the sport. However, he expressed a willingness to support initiatives for underprivileged youth if a meaningful opportunity arises.
The British government has increased pressure on Abramovich to approve the release of the £2.5 billion ($3.4 billion) proceeds from the Chelsea sale to Ukraine. Last week, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy warned in a joint statement that the UK is prepared to take legal action if he does not authorize the transfer.
'The government is determined to see the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine,' the statement read. While the money is frozen in a UK account, Abramovich remains its legal owner and must approve its distribution.
According to The Guardian, officials have held extensive talks with Abramovich's legal team but have failed to resolve a 'fundamental disagreement' over how the funds should be used. Abramovich has insisted the proceeds be used to assist victims of the conflict on both sides, not exclusively Ukraine.
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