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Roman Abramovich insists his position over the sale of Chelsea remains ‘unchanged’

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has denied asking for any loan to be repaid, with the billionaire confirming his position over the club’s sale in a recent statement.

Recent reports have suggested that Abramovich could insist on his £1.5billion loan being repaid by the club. A move of that magnitude could scupper the entire sale process, one which currently sees the Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly as the preferred bidder. 

However, a statement from the billionaire's spokesperson, which was published on Chelsea's club website, rubbished those accusations.
The statement said: "Firstly, Mr Abramovich's intentions in relation to gifting the proceeds from the Chelsea sale to charity have not changed.
"Since the initial announcement, Mr Abramovich's team has identified senior representatives from UN bodies and large global charitable organizations who have been tasked with forming a Foundation and setting out a plan for its activities.
"The lead independent expert has had conversations with Government representatives presenting the structure and initial plans.
"Mr Abramovich has not been involved in this work and it has been managed independently by experts with years of experience working in humanitarian organizations.
"Secondly, Mr Abramovich has not asked for any loan to be repaid to him - such suggestions are entirely false - as are suggestions that Mr Abramovich increased the price of the club last minute.
"As part of Mr Abramovich's objective to find a good custodian for Chelsea FC, he has however encouraged each bidder throughout this process to commit investing in the club - including in the Academy, Women's team, necessary redevelopment of the stadium as well as maintaining the work of Chelsea Foundation.
"Following sanctions and other restrictions imposed on Mr Abramovich by the UK since announcing that the club would be sold, the loan has also become subject to EU sanctions, requiring additional approvals.
"That means that the funds will be frozen and subject to a legal procedure governed by authorities. These funds are still earmarked for the Foundation. The Government are aware of these restrictions as well as the legal implications.
"To be clear, Mr Abramovich has no access or control of these funds and will not have any access or control of these funds following the sale.
"Despite the changing circumstances since his initial announcement - he remains committed to finding a good custodian for Chelsea FC and making sure the proceeds go to good causes."
Chelsea are currently able to operate thanks to a special licence which was issued by the Government following the implementation of sanctions on Abramovich.
However, with the licence set to expire on May 31, there are concerns about the speed of the ongoing takeover.
A statement from Chelsea's Supporters' Trust underlined those worries in a statement which said: "It is essential that the sale of Chelsea is completed swiftly and transparently.
"We urge the current ownership, Raine and the UK Government to ensure this happens.
"Any delay to this process could risk the future of Chelsea - all parties must ensure the sustainability and future of the club is safeguarded."

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