Report: Roman Abramovich Open to Selling Chelsea After Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has reportedly expressed a willingness to sell the club in the face of possible sanctions from the government of the United Kingdom.

According to ESPN's James Olley, Abramovich is "willing to listen to offers" for the team he purchased for £140 million in 2003.

The 55-year-old could see his assets frozen amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Olley noted that the UK government is "under mounting pressure" to freeze the assets of wealthy Russians in the nation if they have ties to Russia's president Vladimir Putin.

Per Olley, Abramovich has maintained that he is not linked to Putin in any way.

Last week, Abramovich passed "stewardship and care" of Chelsea over to its charitable foundation trustees.

Abramovich released the following statement as part of the announcement that he was temporarily relinquishing stewardship of the club:

"During my nearly 20-year ownership of Chelsea FC, I have always viewed my role as a custodian of the club, whose job it is ensuring that we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future, while also playing a positive role in our communities.

"I have always taken decisions with the club's best interest at heart. I remain committed to these values. That is why I am today giving trustees of Chelsea's charitable foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC. I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the club, players, staff, and fans."

Abramovich still owns Chelsea and can provide the club with funds, but that would change if the UK government does decide to freeze his accounts.

If those measures are taken, Abramovich would not be permitted to give the club funds, and he wouldn't be allowed to sell the club, either. 

Comments made by Swiss businessman Hansjoerg Wyss in an interview with Swiss newspaper Blick on Tuesday added to the speculation the club could be sold.

According to Olley, Wyss said: "Abramovich is currently trying to sell all his villas in England. He also wants to get rid of Chelsea quickly now. I, along with three other people, received an offer on Tuesday to buy Chelsea from Abramovich."

Wyss added that Abramovich is asking "far too much" for the club, and ESPN reported that Abramovich has valued Chelsea at £3 billion in the past.

Abramovich has not confirmed Wyss' comments, nor has he made any public statements about his intention to sell Chelsea.

During Abramovich's time as owner, Chelsea has won five English Premier League titles, five FA Cup titles, two UEFA Champions League titles and two UEFA Europa League titles.

Chelsea is third in the EPL standings this season with 50 points, 16 points behind league-leaders Manchester City.

Chelsea is also in the midst of the round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League, coming off a 2-0 win over Lille in the first leg of the matchup.