Former Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich has officially confirmed that he is no longer interested in owning a football club following his dramatic exit from the English Premier League in 2022.
In an exclusive account featured in journalist Nick Purewal’s recently released book Sanctioned: The Inside Story of the Sale of Chelsea FC, the Russian-Israeli billionaire expressed that his time in professional football has come to an end.
He stated plainly, “I don’t have any interest in any role in a football club, certainly not a professional role. I am done with that in this lifetime.”
Abramovich’s comments come more than two years after he was compelled to sell Chelsea in the wake of sweeping UK government sanctions placed on Russian nationals following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The billionaire oligarch had long maintained a degree of silence regarding the transaction and his departure from the club he transformed.
However, the book by Purewal offers a rare and comprehensive insight into Abramovich’s thoughts on the events that unfolded and the legacy he believes he has left behind.
Roman Abramovich purchased Chelsea in June 2003 from then-owner Ken Bates for a reported £140 million. What followed was a period of unprecedented success for the West London club. Under his ownership, Chelsea won 21 major trophies, including five Premier League titles, two UEFA Champions League trophies, two UEFA Europa League titles, and numerous domestic cups.
His financial investment and appetite for success were unmatched in the English game, and his ownership model quickly reshaped expectations for club leadership across Europe.
Throughout his tenure, Abramovich was both admired and feared. He was known for sacking managers ruthlessly when success wavered, but also for his willingness to spend extravagantly to compete at the highest level.
Despite criticism from various quarters, many Chelsea fans embraced him, describing his reign as a period of glory and ambition. He was rarely seen in interviews and largely kept a low public profile, but his financial presence loomed large across every season.
The turning point came in early 2022, when Russia’s military actions in Ukraine placed Roman Abramovich in the global spotlight. The UK government sanctioned him due to alleged ties with the Kremlin, an association he has repeatedly denied.
The sanctions froze his assets in the United Kingdom, including Chelsea Football Club. In response, Abramovich moved quickly to facilitate a sale of the club to ensure its continued operation and safeguard its future.
In doing so, he wrote off approximately £1.5 billion in loans owed to him by the club and promised that all net proceeds from the sale would go to a new charitable foundation to support victims of the war.
The sale process was completed in May 2022, when a consortium led by Todd Boehly and backed by Clearlake Capital and other American investors acquired Chelsea for £4.25 billion.
Yet, despite the legal completion of the sale, the proceeds remain frozen in a UK trust. The British government has not yet disbursed the money due to ongoing negotiations over how and where it should be spent.
Roman Abramovich had envisioned a global humanitarian foundation, but UK officials have emphasized directing the funds specifically toward aid in Ukraine. This stalemate has left the post-sale narrative incomplete and shrouded in controversy.
In the interview segments within Purewal’s book, Abramovich made it clear that he still holds affection for the club and its supporters. He confessed a desire to return to Stamford Bridge one day and receive what he termed “a proper goodbye” from the Chelsea faithful.
However, he also recognized that such a farewell might not be possible in the current political climate. He described the sale of Chelsea as “an incredibly difficult decision” but one he ultimately accepted as necessary under the circumstances.
Though Abramovich insisted he is finished with the ownership of professional clubs, he left open the possibility of supporting youth football. This is consistent with his past philanthropic efforts, which have included educational and developmental projects in sport and culture.
His future involvement, if any, appears set to focus on fostering grassroots initiatives rather than operating within the high-stakes world of elite football.
What’s Next for Roman Abramovich
For Roman Abramovich, the immediate future appears rooted in privacy and quietude. He has signaled no interest in taking on another public-facing role in sport or business, at least in the near term.
His legal and humanitarian focus will likely remain on resolving the impasse surrounding the £2.3 billion in frozen proceeds from the Chelsea sale. How that money is ultimately allocated could have significant implications for his legacy in the eyes of both critics and supporters.
Speculation has also persisted about his involvement in broader humanitarian or diplomatic efforts, particularly due to his brief, unofficial role as a go-between in early Russia-Ukraine peace discussions. While those reports remain unverified and Roman Abramovich has downplayed their significance, they suggest a man still invested in global affairs, even if behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, Chelsea FC continues to face a new era under the leadership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. The transition has not been without its challenges, including coaching changes and underwhelming league performances. However, the club remains ambitious, having recently won the UEFA Europa Conference League, a signal that its new ownership is beginning to find its footing.
Though no longer involved, Abramovich’s influence lingers in the club’s culture and identity. Many fans still refer to the “Roman Era” as the golden age of Chelsea football. Whether or not he returns to Stamford Bridge for a final tribute, his impact on English football is undeniable and enduring.
Roman Abramovich’s chapter in football may be closed, but the story of how he reshaped one of England’s biggest clubs will be told for generations to come. As the dust settles on one of the most remarkable ownership reigns in modern football, both Abramovich and Chelsea now look to the future, each on their own separate path.
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