Britain wants to deprive Abramovich of money of a future sale of Chelsea

A deal to buy Chelsea from Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich could fall apart, according to The Times.

According to the British press, the current owner of the team is demanding the return of 1.5 billion pounds, which came to the club’s account through a subsidiary of Fordstam Limited. It is reported that such a large amount was lent and now Abramovich is interested in returning the funds.

The UK government fears the Russian billionaire could benefit from the sale of the club. They try to avoid this.

Chelsea was put up for sale by Abramovich, against whom the UK imposed sanctions because of the events in Ukraine. The club’s deal is handled by the Raine Group.

The main candidate for the purchase of the English giant is a consortium led by American billionaire Todd Bowley.

Abramovich has requested an additional £500m for Chelsea.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has requested an additional £500m to raise the proceeds from the sale of the football club and donate it to charity, Sky News reported.

Three potential buyers were informed about the need to pay an additional amount a few days before the election of the preferred bidder. According to the source, the Russian businessman is insisting that one billion pounds be donated to charities immediately after the sale is completed, and another 1.5 billion to invest in the stadium, academy and women’s team. Thus, the minimum amount of the transaction for the purchase of Chelsea will be 2.5 billion pounds.

It is noted that in exchange for additional costs, the future owner of the London club will receive an easing on some financial restrictions related to their use of Chelsea’s debt, which is 1.54 billion pounds. One source said three potential buyers agreed to Abramovich’s new request.

Three consortiums are bidding for Chelsea. The first is led by former Liverpool president Martin Broughton. It includes the head of the World Athletics Association (World Athletics) Sebastian Coe, seven-time Formula 1 champion Briton Lewis Hamilton and former world number one American Serena Williams. The second includes the chairman of the National Basketball Association (NBA), Canadian businessman Larry Tanenbaum, and co-owner of the NBA club Boston Celtic, Stephen Palyuki. The third consortium is led by Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Todd Boeli.