Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has confirmed that the Premier League club - reigning European champions - is up for sale.

The Russian oligarch, who has not yet been hit by the sanctions that the British government has imposed on other tycoons believed to be close to Vladimir Putin, declared that "all profits" from the sale, net of costs, "will be entirely devolved to a foundation which will benefit the victims of the war in Ukraine ".

In a press release announcing his intention to divest London club Abramovich, who has led Chelsea continuously since 2003, he stated that the sale "is in the best interest of the club".

"I would like to address the speculation of recent days in the media, in relation to my ownership of Chelsea - reads a statement on the club's website -. As I have said in the past, I have always made decisions with the interest of the club at heart. In the current situation, therefore, I have made the decision to sell Chelsea as I believe that this is in the best interest of the club, the fans, the employees, as well as the sponsors and partners of the Club. "

The sale, Abramovich specifies, "will not be very fast, but it will follow the right process. I will not ask for any loan to be repaid. For me it is never about business or money, but pure passion for football and for the club".

"In addition - announces the oligarch -, I have instructed my team to create a charitable foundation in which all net proceeds from the sale will be donated. The foundation will benefit all victims of the war in Ukraine. This includes the supply of essential funds for the urgent and immediate needs of the victims, as well as support for long-term recovery work ".

A decision that "pains me", concludes Abramovich, hoping to "be able to visit Stamford Bridge for the last time to greet everyone in person, Chelsea and their fans will always be in my heart".

(Unioneonline / L)