Chelsea have already ‘fielded one enquiry’ as Roman Abramovich sale talk emerges

Investors have started to queue up at the possibility of Chelsea, owned by billionaire Roman Abramovich, being put up for sale, claims a report.

The movement is apparently not unconnected to the reaction of governments around the world to the invasion of Ukraine by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The conflict has moved into its third day and already a range of sanctions against Russia have been imposed.

Poland have announced they will not play their 2022 World Cup play-off with Russia in Moscow on March 24.

The president of the Polish football federation Cezary Kulesz said: “No more words, it’s time to act.”

That decision has been backed by the nation’s players, including Robert Lewandowski, who tweeted: “The right decision.”

And now, according to Bloomberg, investors and private equity firms, including some from the U.S have already started to draw up takeover offers for the west London club.

Potential investors are on “high alert over a possible sale”.

Per the source, the Blues have already fielded one enquiry this month for the club, whose value is around €1.9bn.

British Labour MP, Chris Bryant, has said in the House of Commons that he had seen a leaked document from the British Home Office.

The paper suggested Abramovich should not be allowed to be based in the UK.

Abramovich of interest to the government

It showed that at the time, Bryant said, Abramovich was of interest to the government “due to his links to the Russian state and his public association with corrupt activity and practices,” according to Sky Sports.

Abramovich has not fallen under any sanctions so far, and Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel would not comment on the club’s owner.

But the German coach did admit that the “horrible” situation was hazing their preparation for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.

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“We should not pretend this is not an issue,” said Tuchel.

“The situation in general for me and for my staff, and for everybody at Cobham, the players, is horrible.

“Nobody expected this. It’s pretty unreal, like I said it’s clouding our minds, it’s clouding our excitement towards the (Carabao Cup) final.

“And it brings huge uncertainty. Much more to all the people and families who are actually in the moment more involved than us.

“And our best wishes, regards and thoughts are obviously with them, which is absolutely the most important thing.

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War in Europe is unthinkable, says Chelsea boss

“And still there are so many uncertainties around the situation of our club and of the situation in the UK, with scenarios like this, that it makes no sense if I comment on it.

“We are aware of it, we have not maybe so much inside information as you might think.

“But I think it’s also the right from the team, the staff, and I include myself, to be maybe not political, to do sports and to focus on sports.

“Not because we are hiding, the situation is clear, it’s horrible, there’s no doubt about it. That’s pretty much it.

“War in Europe is unthinkable for many for a long period of time.

“Let’s wait. The impact is clear, the discussions have an impact.

“But let’s be a bit more patient and understand what the measurements will be. And then maybe we have to deal with it and adapt.”

READ MORE: Predicted Chelsea team to face Liverpool: Tuchel could spring surprise injury return for final