Former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is set to break his silence about the sale of the club in a forthcoming book. This marks his first interview in four years, and it promises to shed light on the £2.5 billion sale of Chelsea FC in 2022.
Abramovich's interviews took place in Abu Dhabi and Istanbul, where he discussed various aspects surrounding the sale of Chelsea FC to American consortium Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. This deal was finalized following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The book titled "Sanctioned: The Inside Story of the Sale of Chelsea FC" is penned by Nick Purewal. It will not only cover Abramovich's account but also delve into other stories from that accelerated 95-day sale process run by Raine Bank under UK government supervision.
Glimpse into Abramovich’s past
The interviews are said to include an account from Abramovich about his initial takeover of Chelsea FC back in 2004, as well as discussions around sanctions imposed due to alleged links with Russian president Vladimir Putin. He also talks about his efforts towards peace processes and addresses rumors regarding a suspected poisoning incident that occurred in March 2022.
Before these recent revelations, Abramovich had been relatively silent since an interview with Forbes back in March 2021. Aside from a brief statement concerning Frank Lampard's sacking earlier that year and comments related to Chelsea's 'Say No To Anti-Semitism' campaign, he had not given any official interviews since 2006.
What lies ahead for Chelsea?
While this new information provides insight into past events at Stamford Bridge, fans are likely more interested in what lies ahead for their beloved club under its new American ownership. Currently, funds from the club’s sale remain frozen due to sanctions against Abramovich while on-field performance remains crucial for Chelsea.
The club is aiming to qualify for the Champions League and win a trophy under its new ownership, which would mark a significant milestone in this new chapter of Chelsea's history.
"Sanctioned: The Inside Story of the Sale of Chelsea FC" promises to be an intriguing read for sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike. It offers an inside look into one of the most significant sales in football history while also providing a rare glimpse into Abramovich's perspective on these events. The book is set to be released by Biteback Publishing this summer.