For the first time in over four years, Roman Abramovich is set to open up about his exit from Chelsea and the £2.5 billion sale that followed. The former Blues owner has participated in a two part interview that will feature in an upcoming book titled Sanctioned: The Inside Story of the Sale of Chelsea FC, due for release this summer. With the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, mounting UK bans, and ownership change, Abramovich’s account is expected to offer never before heard revelations that could reshape public understanding of one of football’s most complex ownership transitions.
Abramovich Speaks After Four Years
Roman Abramovich has remained silent since the sanctioned by the UK Government in 2022 due to links to Vladimir Putin. Once a regular feature in the Stamford Bridge executive box, he has kept a low profile.
Now, Abramovich has chosen to break his silence through a detailed two part interview conducted in Abu Dhabi and Istanbul, which will be published by Nick Purewal. These interviews reportedly include candid discussions about:
- His original purchase of Chelsea in 2003/04.
- The unprecedented UK sanctions that froze his assets.
- His role in early Russia Ukraine peace talks.
- The dramatic 95 day sale of Chelsea FC.
- An alleged poisoning incident during peace negotiations in 2022.
This marks the first time Abramovich has spoken publicly on any Chelsea sale related topics since his brief comment to Forbes. It is also his second full interview since 2006
With the release of Sanctioned, Chelsea fans and the wider football community will finally hear directly from the man who presided over the most successful era in the club’s history.
The Chelsea Sale: What Really Happened?
The sale of Chelsea FC in 2022 was no ordinary transaction. Forced by government sanctions, the £2.5 billion deal was overseen by the UK Government and facilitated by Raine Bank, under extreme time pressure and scrutiny. The new ownership group led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital secured the club in just 95 days.
Abramovich’s new revelations are expected to shed light on:
- His final days at the club.
- Negotiations with the UK government.
- How the sale price and conditions were determined.
- The fate of the proceeds, which remain frozen in a bank account.
These behind the scenes insights could provide clarity on one of the most high stakes, politically influenced sales in sports history. For fans, it’s a chance to understand what truly happened during Chelsea’s ownership handover and why.
Why Now? Abramovich’s Timing Explained
The timing of this disclosure is particularly significant. Chelsea, now under their new American ownership, is still in the process of finding its footing. As the club continues to struggle with returning to consistent Champions League qualification and serious trophy contention, the shadow of its past successes under Roman Abramovich continues to loom large. At the same time, questions surrounding Abramovich’s legacy both in terms of footballing achievement and political controversy remain unresolved.
Abramovich has been described as a shy person previously. This view has only gained strength in recent years, particularly after international sanctions heavily limited his mobility and curtailed his business activities. Sanctioned, however, presents him with a rare and timely chance to tell his own side of things. With this book, he can provide his point of view not just as a revolutionary football club owner but also as a political maverick trapped in the complicated tempest of international sanctions.
Furthermore, the book along with its headline making interviews could play a crucial role in reshaping public perception of Abramovich. Is he the cherished owner who elevated Chelsea into a global football powerhouse? Or is he a sanctioned billionaire deeply entangled in geopolitical conflict? Ultimately, the truth may lie somewhere in between. And that, precisely, is what Sanctioned sets out to explore.
Live Update
Sanctioned: The Inside Story of the Sale of Chelsea FC by Nick Purewal is set to be released this summer. The interviews with Roman Abramovich, recorded in Istanbul and Abu Dhabi, will be the centerpiece of the book. The funds from the £2.5bn sale remain in a frozen UK bank account, as Chelsea under Todd Boehly continue their pursuit of a first major trophy post Abramovich. Expect more excerpts and media coverage to emerge as the release date approaches.
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on:
