Alan Shearer highly critical of Abramovich and Chelsea as Russian puts the club up for sale
- Planet Sport writer
- 2 March 2022
Shearer says Abramovich’s failure to condemn Russia’s actions in Ukraine is a stain on Chelsea Football Club.
Abramovich has confirmed his decision to sell Chelsea amid Russia’s continued invasion of Ukraine.
However, a statement put out by Abramovich carried no condemnation of the actions of Russia in Ukraine. And despite the Blues owner pledging to donate any profits to a foundation for victims of the war, Shearer thinks both he and the club should be speaking out about what is going on in the war-torn region.
"(It's a) huge moment for Chelsea, he's brought massive success over his 20 years, but it's not as simple as selling a football club - as we know it can take months or years to sell a football club," Shearer said on BBC One.
"But I think more importantly there is still no condemnation from Roman or the club about what's happening in Ukraine."
The Russian-Israeli billionaire has owned the Blues since 2003 and helped steer the Stamford Bridge club to 19 major trophies.
But the 55-year-old's glittering reign in west London is close to an end, with a consortium of billionaires already making their interest in a deal public.
Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss and USA investor Todd Boehly are understood to be two of the parties joining forces and now preparing a bid for the Blues.
The 86-year-old Wyss has already revealed his intention to bid for the club.
Statement from Roman Abramovich.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 2, 2022
"I would like to address the speculation in the media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC," read Abramovich's statement.
"As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the club's best interest at heart.
"In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the club, the fans, the employees, as well as the club's sponsors and partners."
Abramovich has vowed not to rush the sale of a club that have won two Champions League titles, as well as the Club World Cup title earlier this year under his ownership.
Abramovich has also pledged to donate any net proceeds from the club's sale to help victims of the war in Ukraine.
"The sale of the club will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process," continued Abramovich's statement.
"I will not be asking for any loans to be repaid. This has never been about business nor money for me, but about pure passion for the game and club. Moreover, I have instructed my team to set up a charitable foundation where all net proceeds from the sale will be donated.
"The foundation will be for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine. This includes providing critical funds towards the urgent and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting the long-term work of recovery."